Hartlepool United make four changes for Harrogate Town clash as ex-Celtic man starts

Tom Crawford starts for Hartlepool United against Harrogate Town. (Credit: Tom West | MI News)

Paul Hartley has made four changes to his side as Hartlepool United host Harrogate Town in the opening group game of the Papa Johns Trophy.

Pools will be looking to emulate last season’s success in the competition where they made a run to the semi-final stages, with the club pocketing £150,000 in prize money in the process, falling just short to Rotherham United on penalties.

And tonight’s fixture offers manager Hartley another opportunity to secure his first win as boss since taking over in the summer.

Pools arrive on the back of a defeat to League Two leaders Leyton Orient at the weekend with Hartley making four changes to his squad for the EFL Trophy.

Ex-Bradford City and Middlesbrough midfielder set to miss Hartlepool United's EF...

Rollin Menayese, Brody Paterson, Mouhamed Niang and Tom Crawford come into the side for David Ferguson, Mark Shelton, Jake Hastie and Josh Umerah.

Menayese forms a back three alongside Euan Murray and Alex Lacey while Paterson takes up a role on the left.

Crawford makes just his second start of the season after his cameo in the defeat at Leyton Orient at the weekend while Niang returns to the centre of midfield.

Mikael Ndjoli, who was taken off with a slight knock at the weekend, is fit to start.

Sunderland loanee Ellis Taylor, midfielder Mohamad Sylla and forward Joe Grey all return to Hartley’s squad on the bench.

And here is how Pools line-up in full to take on Harrogate.

Hartlepool United XI: Killip, Sterry, Menayese, Lacey, Murray, Paterson, Featherstone, Niang, Crawford, McDonald, Ndjoli

Subs: Letheren, Tumilty, Ferguson, Sylla, Shelton, Taylor, Hastie, Grey, Hamilton