Hartlepool United boss won’t take any risks

Scott Harrison missed the second match of the club’s friendly programme last night, a 2-0 victory at Harrogate Railway Athletic.

The centre-back also sat out the opening game, at Billingham Town, with comeback man Michael Woods not featuring on either night as well.

New signings Carl Magnay and Rhys Oates rested niggles last night while centre-half Harry Worley came off 11 minutes from time with a slight calf strain.

Assistant boss Sam Collins explained with the squad having more depth to it this season, there was no need to rush any players back for Friday night’s trip to Whitby Town or Saturday’s match at Spennymoor.

“We’ll have to see how they are,” he told SportMail.

“Scott Harrison is to come back in, as are Carl and Rhys who weren’t involved last night, and Michael Woods, who’s getting closer.

“They are all big players for us

“Harry was feeling his calf a little so we were careful with that.

“We just have to assess everyone [today] but we have plenty of bodies so we’ll be fine.

“We’ve got good options so we can try different things and change it around.

“Scotty has done a lot of running, he just has a little niggle that’s all. It probably just needs to settle down for two or three days.

“Carl and Rhys could be back and with Woodsy, we are just being cautious.

“It’s the same with them all, the most important thing is they are fit for August 8.

“As much as we want them to play in the games, we don’t want to rush anybody and things to become more of a problem than they are.”

Goals from Lewis Hawkins and Scott Fenwick took Pools to a comfortable victory at Harrogate Railway.

But for some outstanding saves by Tom Goodwin, the margin of victory would have been more decisive.

Collins though was pleased with the evening’s work and result against the EvoStik League outfit but, especially, the second clean sheet in as many nights.

“That will be the big thing,” said the former centre-half.

“If we can base everything on doing that, then we have always got a chance.

“We feel with the lads we’ve got that we can keep clean sheets.

“First and foremost that’s what we’ll be lookin to do and the rest is a bonus.”

Pools won both pre-season games on the back of training each morning and changing their XI for each half, leaving Collins and boss rOnnie Moore highly encouraged.

“We are pleased with everyone,” added Collins. “Training has been tough but everyone’s worked really hard, every single one of them.”