Holden’s Opportunity?

Michael Duckworth’s injury opened the door to Jordan Richards in our last game, but his sending off against Fleetwood will now mean that he’s suspended for the next three.

It would mean a reshuffle at the back but Darren Holden has a chance tonight to play himself into contention for a start against York this weekend.

Holden will play at left-back for the reserves tonight and if he can impress Coops and Craig Hignett as they watch on he could play himself into the side at the Vic on Saturday.

Jack Baldwin, who switched to right-back with Sam Collins coming on to play in central defence, didn’t really impress. I didn’t see the game but some have said Baldwin wasn’t effective in that area so instead of using him again Neil Austin could move back to right-back and Holden come in at left-back? It wouldn’t be completely out of the question that Holden could play at right-back but the balance would be wrong.

Holden will want to get back into the side, he has a chance to shine so if he plays well for the reserves against Mansfield tonight he might get his opportunity?

Jordan Deacey, the attacking midfielder that we have on trial from Bradford PA, will also play for Hartlepool again tonight as he looks to do enough to convince Coops that he’s another player he should pluck from the non league arena.