Hartlepool United given boost with defender Peter Kioso expected to return to National League action against Dagenham & Redbridge

Peter Kioso marked his return from a concussion injury by playing the full 90 minutes in the FA Trophy last weekend – now he’s set for a return to league action.
Dominic Scurr
By Dominic Scurr
Published 20th Dec 2019, 06:00 BST
Hartlepool United's Peter Kioso in action with Chesterfield's Gevaro Nepomuceno during the Vanarama National League match between Chesterfield and Hartlepool United at the Proact stadium, Chesterfield on Tuesday 26th November 2019. (Credit: Mark Fletcher | MI News)Hartlepool United's Peter Kioso in action with Chesterfield's Gevaro Nepomuceno during the Vanarama National League match between Chesterfield and Hartlepool United at the Proact stadium, Chesterfield on Tuesday 26th November 2019. (Credit: Mark Fletcher | MI News)
Hartlepool United's Peter Kioso in action with Chesterfield's Gevaro Nepomuceno during the Vanarama National League match between Chesterfield and Hartlepool United at the Proact stadium, Chesterfield on Tuesday 26th November 2019. (Credit: Mark Fletcher | MI News)

The 20-year-old was deployed as a centre-back during the 3-2 defeat at Harrogate Town after missing the previous three matches after picking up a concussion injury sustained at the end of Pools’ 5-1 demolishing of Chesterfield last month.

While Kioso scored an own goal in the Trophy defeat at the CNG Stadium, United manager Dave Challinor is pleased to have one of his key defenders back and available for selection.

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Hartlepool host Dagenham & Redbridge at Victoria Park tomorrow with Kioso expected to return to his usual role on the right side of the defence.

“Peter coming back is a big boost for us,” Challinor admitted.

“Hopefully now he can get himself back at it and produce the performances he has done this season because it’s an important time for him in terms of where he’s at.

“It’s not only important for him but us as well in terms of this season and his future down the line.

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“We want a situation where everyone is fit and giving us really tough decisions to make not only in terms of the 11 we pick but the squad we pick as well.”

Kioso has started 23 out of a possible 29 matches in all competitions this season, scoring twice.

*In just over three days, Pools have sold all of their allocated away tickets for the trip to Harrogate Town on Boxing Day.

Poolies quickly snapped up all 930 tickets for the National League fixture as the team seek revenge on the side that dumped them out of the FA Trophy last week.

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The 60-mile trip is the shortest Pools have to make in the National League and that will be reflected by their largest league away following at the CNG Stadium.

“It’s amazing, I’ve got people going to the game and my wife looked and saw we’d sold 750 tickets in a day or two,” said Challinor

“To go there and look forward to that as an away team with home support is massive.

“We’ll have close to 1,000 people there who we’ll want to give something to cheer about so hopefully the place is rocking and we get three points!”

Related topics:Peter KiosoDave ChallinorNational LeagueFA TrophyHarrogate Town