NEALE Cooper yesterday hinted he could have a new face in his squad ahead of Saturday's trip to Tranmere Rovers, writes Nick Loughlin.

The Hartlepool United boss watched his reserve side beat Boston United 3-1 at Victoria Park - with Matty Robson and John Brackstone playing the full game.

The pair have spent the season battling it out for the left-back spot, with both players getting a taste of the action in last weekend's win over Peterborough.

And while Cooper this week rejected reports he had signed former St Mirren defender Scott Walker, it is understood the Scot yesterday had a medical and a deal looks likely.

Robson was twice on target as the reserve team, managed by Martin Scott, kept up their impressive form. They have lost just once this campaign, and were rarely in any trouble yesterday.

They went in front when Tony Sweeney fed Robson and the winger confidently netted from 12 yards. Ryan McCann hit a post before the visitors levelled. Defender Andy Jordan's backheader to keeper Dimitrios Konstantopoulos fell shot and former Darlington striker Peter Duffield nipped in to score.

Pool regained the lead through substitute Andy Appleby. The striker fired low across the keeper after being teed up by Paul Robinson.

The third goal came when Robson ran across the defence and fired beyond Steve Croudson.

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