Hartlepool United v AFC Wimbledon @ Victoria Park
February 28, 2015 @ 3.00pm
AFC Wimbledon will look to put Tuesday’s misfiring performance behind them when they take on Sky Bet League Two’s bottom side Hartlepool on Saturday.
Neal Ardley’s men spurned a number of great chances in the goalless midweek draw at Cambridge United but still moved up to 10th place, seven points away from a play-off spot having lost just once in their last seven.
Centre-back Mark Phillips is available again for selection having served a three-match suspension but George Francomb has failed to shake off a hamstring injury.
Ardley also has selection headache to consider, with Jack Smith, Barry Fuller and Callum Kennedy all competing for two centre back places.
The Dons will no doubt look to take advantage of the league’s bottom team and recapture their form in front of goal to edge closer to one of those precious play-off spots.
Hartlepool will be buoyed by the arrival of Ryan Bird on a one-month loan deal from Cambridge United.
The 6’4’’ striker has four goals to his name this term and will reinforce Ronnie Moore’s squad after Rakish Bingham was recalled to Mansfield Town following his own loan spell at the club.
Bird was prolific in his non-league stint at Burnham two years ago, scoring 45 goals in 45 games, and the home team will be aiming to take all six points from the Dons following their 2-1 win back in August.
Sitting bottom of the table eight points from safety with 14 to play, the Pools will be looking to capitalise on their home advantage to bag three vital points.
Star Man: Adebayo Akinfenwa
Danger Man: Ryan Bird
Last Meeting: AFC Wimbledon 1-2 Hartlepool United, August 23 2014
