Pools v Everton U21s
Hartlepool United are looking to get back to winning ways as they welcome Everton’s U21 side to the Suit Direct Stadium on Tuesday (7pm KO). After defeat at Harrogate on Saturday, Keith Curle will be looking for a more complete performance from his side.
The Opposition
Everton’s U21 side compete in Division 1 of the Premier League 2 competition. Used as a pathway to the first team, the U21 side is packed with youngsters coming through the ranks at Goodison Park and led by Paul Tait, a former player with Birmingham, Millwall, Northampton, and Oxford.
The History
The sides met in last year’s Papa John’s Trophy group stage, with Pools running out 1-0 winners at home thanks to a Matty Daly strike. Pools have never met the senior Everton side, though some players have played for both, including Mick Buckley in the 60s. Joe Parkinson played for the Toffees 90 times and was a coach under Dave Challinor during his time with the club.
Team News
Jamie Sterry made his long-awaited return on Saturday, and he’ll hope to get an extended run in the team now he’s fit. Nicky Featherstone is back on the grass, but there’s no certain date put on his return to competitive action. Theo Robinson made his debut on Saturday and Joe Grey featured from the bench, and both will want opportunities to bag some goals in this competition and in the league.
How to Follow
If you’re not coming along to the Suit Direct, catch all the action via iFollow. Passes are available here.