Lee Clark calms injury fears over Hartlepool United duo after Barrow win
Hartlepool United started their 2026/27 National League campaign with a 2-0 home win against Barrow.
Hartlepool United head coach Lee Clark has calmed any concerns over injuries picked up by defensive duo Jay Benn and Liam Gibson during Saturday’s home win against National League rivals Barrow.
Benn was replaced just three minutes into the second-half after picking up a knock and he was replaced by summer signing Neo Eccleston before Max Kouogun came on to replace former Newcastle United defender Gibson just after the hour-mark. There had been some concerns both defenders could face some time on the sidelines - but Clark has revealed both decisions were precautionary as he turns his focus towards this weekend’s long trip to Aldershot Town.
He said: “That’s why it’s good when players pick up knocks, I can immediately make the changes because I know the players coming on are going to slot straight in and they all did. The subs were terrific. Jay got a bit of a whack in his lower back, backside, and I’m not sure how that worked against him. Liam Gibson felt some tightness in his hamstring - but you can bring on the quality of the player we have got.”
Delighted
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After a hectic summer in the transfer market, Clark has a wealth of options at his disposal and he put them to good use during the opening game of the season. Although Kouogun and Eccleston’s introductions into Saturday’s win over the Bluebirds was enforced by injuries, the Pools boss was able to freshen up his side with Jordan Hugill, Terry Bondo and Nathan Sheron also coming off the bench to help their side across the line throughout the final half-hour of an intriguing contest. Clark praised the performance of his side and revealed he was ‘delighted’ with players across his starting eleven and those that were introduced into the action during the win.
He said: “The whole group were brilliant. I understand why they went for Reiss (McNally, as man of the match), but there were so many other contenders for that but you have to mention the substitutes. They came on and were terrific, they made such an impact so we are delighted with everyone that got on to the pitch.”
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