Hartlepool United manager Dave Challinor explains the early substitution of Rhys Oates despite forward scoring twice in 7-2 win at Wealdstone

Two fine strikes in either half and an assist summed up a near perfect 56-minute display for the Pools forward before he made way for new signing Danny Elliott.

Oates missed last weekend’s 2-0 win over Notts County with a thigh strain but returned to the starting line-up at Grosvenor Vale after a strong week on the training ground.

“He’s had an issue with his thigh,” Challinor told The Mail after the win.

"He never felt anything bad during the game but he felt something so straight away, he knows his body, we brought him off.

“He was desperate to get a hat-trick but he’s sensible and was aware of something. The opportunity to get him off and rest him especially with us hopefully not being with a game next weekend, he’ll be absolutely fine.”

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