Hartlepool United manager Dave Challinor praises the impact of returning duo Gime Toure and Josh Hawkes ahead of FA Cup match

Gime Toure of Hartlepool United celebrates after scoring his second and their fifth goal 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 duo hadn’t started a match since the 1-0 FA Cup win over Brackley Town and had been restricted to substitute appearances in Challinor’s opening three matches in charge.

Both were named in the starting XI at Chesterfield on Tuesday night and repaid the faith shown in them by their manager with Toure getting two goals and an assist while Hawkes set-up two for his teammates in the impressive victory at the Proact Stadium.

“They were outstanding,” Challinor admitted.

“They changed the game for us on Saturday against and gave us fresh impetus. We changed things Tuesday and were flexible throughout the game.

“Gime is our top scorer and got another two, Josh is a player who with the technical ability he has should fit in well with how I want to play and he gets into some great positions.

“It was a chance for us to look at Josh, I think he’s the type of player that should do well in my team.

“He has a habit of being a little bit safe and coming towards the ball so we need him beyond the lines and having shots and although he’s not scored, he’s affected the play and played two great balls through for the second and third goals.

“He should use that as encouragement because he got into some great positions and got some shots away, it was a really positive performance.”