Hartlepool United captain named in National League team of the week
Hartlepool United captain Tom Parkes has been named in the National League team of the week.
The 33-year-old produced an impressive performance on his first start since October 4 as Pools beat play-off chasing Halifax 1-0 on Saturday, their second clean sheet in three matches, to move to within three points of the top seven.
It's been a frustrating season for Parkes, who was appointed club captain by former manager Simon Grayson over the summer, and the defender has only featured in 11 of his side's 20 matches so far this term.
The centre-half, who first signed for Pools in January 2024 and has gone on to make 72 appearances, found himself in and out of the side under Grayson and has struggled with various injuries throughout the campaign.
Indeed, Parkes had only recently returned from a spell on the sidelines through concussion and, worryingly for Pools fans, was forced off with 25 minutes of normal time remaining in West Yorkshire after going down following a headed clearance, an incident interim boss Nicky Featherstone admitted was "quite concerning".
Nonetheless, Parkes did enough to earn himself a place in the National League team of the week for the first time this season after dominating Halifax frontman Owen Devonport as Pools extended their unbeaten run to four matches.
Supporters will be hoping to have the skipper available for Saturday's visit of in-form Wealdstone, who will arrive at Victoria Park off the back of four successive wins in all competitions.