Hartlepool United v Brandon United team news: Luke Williams starts alongside two trialists

Pools were set to host Blyth Spartans for what would be the club’s first match at Victoria Park in over six months before the match had to be cancelled due to someone from Blyth testing positive for coronavirus.

Fortunately, an impromptu friendly against Northern League Division Two side Brandon United was arranged at the last minute.

And Dave Challinor has chosen a strong side, featuring two trialists, to start the match.

Ben Killip starts in goal with a back four of Aaron Cunningham, Timi Odusina and two trialists at left-back and right-back. The club would not confirm whether these players were Jordan Mustoe and Scott McLean who played on trial in the full-back positions in last weekend’s friendlies at Blyth and Morpeth Town.

Versatile defender Lewis Cass is being lined up for a loan move at Victoria Park and could be available to play.

The Pools midfield consists of Tom Crawford, Ryan Donaldson, Josh MacDonald and a first start for Luke Williams since he signed permanently for the club over two years ago.

Mason Bloomfield and Claudio Ofosu complete the XI.

Starting XI: Killip, Trialist, Odusina, Cunningham, Trialist, Crawford, Donaldson, Williams, MacDonald, Bloomfield, Ofosu

On the bench is goalkeeper Brad Young, defenders David Ferguson and Gary Liddle, midfielders Mark Shelton, Nicky Featherstone, Luke Molynuex and Gavan Holohan. Joe Grey and David Parkhouse are the two attacking options on the bench with Rhys Oates commentating from the stands after picking up a knock.

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