Hartlepool United manager Dave Challinor provides injury update ahead of National League clash at Chesterfield

Hartlepool United have assessed the fitness of Michael Raynes after the defender took a knock in Saturday’s 2-2 draw against Boreham Wood.
Hartlepool United's Michael Raynes wins a header during the Vanarama National League match between Hartlepool United and Boreham Wood at Victoria Park, Hartlepool on Saturday 23rd November 2019. (Credit: Mark Fletcher | MI News)Hartlepool United's Michael Raynes wins a header during the Vanarama National League match between Hartlepool United and Boreham Wood at Victoria Park, Hartlepool on Saturday 23rd November 2019. (Credit: Mark Fletcher | MI News)
Hartlepool United's Michael Raynes wins a header during the Vanarama National League match between Hartlepool United and Boreham Wood at Victoria Park, Hartlepool on Saturday 23rd November 2019. (Credit: Mark Fletcher | MI News)

Raynes picked up a knock in the first half at Victoria Park and was eventually subbed off in the 58th minute with Pools trailing 2-0. The 32-year-old had played every minute of the 2019-20 season prior to his substitution.

He could potentially be rested for Tuesday night’s trip to face Chesterfield at the Proact Stadium though manager Dave Challinor remains optimistic.

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“Substituting Raynesy was an easy decision to make because we wanted to be more open tactically anyway so we needed more pace at the back,” he said.

“He got a knock in the first half but test wise he’s fine and I’m sure he’ll be a bit sore but fingers crossed on Tuesday there won’t be any repercussions from that and we’ll see where we are to put a plan in place to try and go to Chesterfield and win.”

There are no other new injury concerns for Pools as Luke Molyneux (foot) remains sidelined and Luke Williams (hamstring) a doubt.

Chesterfield will be the first side Hartlepool have faced twice in the National League this season.

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They have lost just two of their last 11 games since the sides last met in September while the Spireites have been beaten four times over the same period.

“Stats are stats but I said to the lads after the Boreham Wood game, we were 2-0 up last week and should have won the game and come out with a point,” Challinor added.

“We were 2-0 down Saturday and came out with a point so we’re probably one point off where we should be over the two games.

“Draws are fine as long as they keep runs going and you can surround them with wins so if we can win on Tuesday, the last two points gives you a different perspective.

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“It’s important that we can try and get three points because it makes a massive difference in this league.

“Hopefully we can go to Chesterfield on Tuesday and win so the point against Boreham Wood on Saturday looks a good one.”