Hartlepool United to face Middlesbrough under-23s in friendly as National League promotion preparations step up

Pools are currently preparing for a crucial Easter Weekend double header at home to Dagenham & Redbridge (1pm kick-off) on Good Friday and away to Boreham Wood (3pm kick-off) on Easter Monday.

In order to keep the squad sharp, a friendly has been organised against a Boro XI understood to be predominantly made up of under-23s players.

None of the players who started the 1-1 draw at Stockport County are expected to feature for Pools.

But players such as Henrich Ravas, Jake Cooper, Timi Odusina, Ryan Donaldson, Mason Bloomfield, Claudio Ofosu, Josh MacDonald, Luke Williams, Tom White and Tom Crawford could all be given a run out.

“This friendly is for the lads who haven’t played as much so we can have a look at them,” said Hartlepool manager Dave Challinor.

“This week will be a work week where we recharge the batteries more than anything else. The grind of Saturday, Tuesday and long trips is a tough one but there are still lots to work on from our perspective but it gives us the opportunity to focus on the details.

"We did a bit on our set-pieces on Friday but we’ll be looking to do more of that because that’s what can make the difference in those tight games towards the back end of the season.

“With it being international week [Middlesbrough] may have a few first team players available to play. It’s a game where some of our lads need 90-minutes, 70-minutes and it’s an opportunity for us to look at potential options for this season and next season too.”

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