Hartlepool United fans react as Luke Williams starts for the first time for the club in almost seven years

The last time Williams started a competitive game for Pools was the 2-0 defeat at Northampton Town on February 22nd 2014.

Almost seven years and many injury set-backs later and he’s back starting a game for Pools at Eastleigh after signing a new deal at the club last month.

The 27-year-old is one of two changes for Dave Challinor’s side from their 2-0 FA Cup defeat at Salford City last weekend, Luke Molyneux being the other.

The Pools starting line-up is as follows: Ravas; Ferguson, Johnson, Magloire, Cass; Featherstone, Crawford, Williams; Donaldson, Ofosu, Molyneux.

On the bench is: Bloomfield, Holohan, Shelton, Parkhouse, Odusina.

And here’s how the Pools fans reacted to the surprising team news on Twitter…

@leejeffries4 said: “Over the moon for the lad.”

@HUFCHarry posted: “The ginger maestro with a 30 yarder today please.”

@_wrighty4 said: “Tell you what. If Ofosu played like he did last week he will be a threat, he was superb."

Nick Loughlin commented: "Signed for Pools in August 2018, 68 minutes of competitive action as a sub in 4 substitute appearances and Luke Williams finally starts for Pools!”

@hpoolneil questioned the team, saying: “Odd decision with a pitch like a lake....time will tell.”

@Steven06813676 was disappointed not to see Joe Grey: “No joe grey in squad??? Young, creative and dynamic. Every game he’s been in so far has looked like he could score. Let’s see.”

@GoalzFitness asked: “Errrr...who's playing striker?”

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