By Albatross
January 31 2003

Hartlepool United have appealed for help to clear snow from the Vic - so the fixture with Torquay is in doubt. If it goes ahead though, it's another important game for Pools in their quest for promotion. Torquay lie fifth in Division 3, and as such should provide one of our sterner tests. Their away form however is poor: their last league win on the road came six games ago, a 1-0 victory over Bury on 9th November. Three of those away games have ended in draws, with Darlington, Macclesfield and Bristol Rovers, while they departed with nothing from Wrexham and Orient.

Part of the problem for the Gulls has been that star striker - and leading scorer - David Graham has missed a number of games through injury. That they haven't fallen down the table is due in no small part to the form of Martin Gritton, who has netted eleven times. Graham may be in line for a return after playing for their reserve team in midweek, and the return of the Scots forward would undoubtedly be a boost for the Devon side. Should he fail to start, Gritton may be partnered up front by former Arsenal youngster Jo Kuffour - normally a winger.

Tony Bedeau is likely to be a threat to Pools; Rosenior has played him down the right and he's responded with a number of good performances and five goals this season.

For Pools, the big question (other than will the snow get moved off the pitch in time) is what will happen in the absence of Mark Tinkler, who sits the game out through suspension. If he's fit, the obvious thing to do is bring Paul Smith into the left wing slot and move Ritchie Humphreys inside to partner Widds. This is the most likely option, but another one may be to bring Paul Arnison in. Arno played in midfield and scored for the reserves in midweek, and could potentially either partner Widds, or play on the right flank to allow Darrell Clarke to move infield. Alternatively, Jermaine Easter played there on Wednesday and may earn a surprise call-up.

The temptation to start with Gordon Watson is one that Mike Newell will almost certainly resist. Although he played and scored a brace in the reserves, it's more likely that Flash will be sitting on the bench for the game, with a sub appearance likely and a start against Exeter in the offing.

Apparently the pitch is in good condition under the snow, and if the game goes ahead I expect Pools to make good use of it. 2-1, with Eifion scoring the first before Flash comes off the bench to net the winner.