Scott Fenwick, Rakish Bigham to play for Hartlepool United reserves but no Rob Jones

Strikers Rakish Bingham and Scott Fenwick will play against the Mariners’ second string at Blundell Park, but there will be no outing for defender Rob Jones.

Manager Craig Hignett was impressed with how the reserve side performed last week at Newcastle, where a strong Pools side beat the Magpies 3-1.

Fenwick has played only 43 minutes in League Two under Hignett and Bingham even less, so the forwards have the chance to show what they can do tomorrow.

Defenders Jordan Richards and Dan Jones, who were unused subs at Barnet on Saturday will almost certainly start, while Michael Woods could also feature.

The midfielder returned to the first-team squad on Saturday and looked a little rusty, coming on for Jake Gray for the last 15 minutes.

He may request a run-out tomorrow as might Josh Laurent, who dropped out of the match-day 18 at the Hive after being on the bench against Luton, Northampton and Barnet.

However, there will be no appearance for Rob Jones.

The giant central defender secured himself a deal until the end of the season following a good display in the friendly win over the Toon.

It also earned him a debut against the Bees, responding with a commanding performance at the heart of the defence.

Despite a little ringrust, Hignett says he is not tempted to play him at Grimsby.

The Pools boss insists he does not require any additional pitch-time before Saturday’s six-pointer with Dagenham & Redbridge at Victoria Park.

“After a great 90 minutes at Barnet, Rob needs a proper rest,” Hignett told SportMail.

“He will use this week to prepare fully for Saturday’s game.

“If we were to play him again in midweek, it would take too much out of him.

“While Rob had not played since something like November, there were no doubts in my mind about selecting him on Saturday.

“I had watched him in training and in the match at Newcastle.

“He is an experienced pro and knows his way about and he’s looked after himself and keeps fit.

“It might take him a few weeks to get fully up to speed but he was outstanding against Barnet.”