Hartlepool United v Exeter City: Ellis Harrison injury not as bad as first feared

Harrison, on loan from Bristol Rovers for a month, was hurt last Saturday in a collision with Cambridge defender Lewis Page.

Pools feared the Wales U21 international could be out for two to three weeks – which would sideline him for much of the remainder of his loan period – but boss Ronnie Moore is hopeful he will be back sooner.

“Ellis did do well last week,” said Moore. “I was pleased with him.

“He had a good chance and should have scored, he knows that.

“His movement was good and he showed us what he’s all about.

“We are waiting on his scan results, but it’s looking like they will come back clear, he’s just a little sore above his ankle. But I don’t think he’ll be all right for Exeter.”

Harrison started as the main striker last week, with Jake Gray just behind him in the pocket of a 4-4-1-1 formation.

It has left Moore with a dilemma of whether to “play two up top or go with the one”.

Rakish Bingham, Scott Fenwick and Billy Paynter are all candidates to start.

“The competition is on for the spot, one of them strikers is going to play,” said Moore. “It’s whether we stick with the same system as last week, which has got us some decent performances and results.

“I’ve got a headache on which one we go with.”

Scott Harrison is fit to return but will have to be content with a spot on the bench.

Pools (possible): Carson, Richards, Bates, Jackson, Carroll, Oates, Woods, Featherstone, Gray, Hawkins, Paynter. Subs (from): Bartlett, Jones, S Harrison, Walker, Fenwick, Bingham, Thomas, Smith.