TOP scorer Joel Porter is expected to return to the Hartlepool United side for this afternoon’s encounter with Scunthorpe.

The 21-goal marksman missed Saturday’s draw at Crewe, as boss Chris Turner kept him out of the action after he suffered a slight groin strain in the win over Hereford nine days ago.

Two games in three days may have been too much, but Turner is now ready to put a fresh Porter back in the side.

“I hope Joel can play on Monday,’’ admitted Turner.

“I didn’t think Saturday was a Joel type of game out there, it was about making a lot of demands off the ball and if Joel played that game, he would have been 25 or 30 per cent of a player on Monday.

“We left him at home to make sure he is OK and we all know when Joel plays well, his creativity and work around the box is vital.

“It’s important to get some fresh legs into the team if need be, it can only help us.’’ Four points in two games has put five points between Pools and the bottom four, the final spot occupied by Northampton, who have two games in hand on their rivals.

Three points today could extend the gap to eight and Turner said: “Now it’s about maintaining the momentum and making sure we carry it on against Scunthorpe on Monday.

“Results will come all over the place, Monday will be a tough one, we just have to keep the board ticking over and three points would be fantastic.

“This run of three games is important - we’ve got one point, have Scunthorpe to come and then Yeovil on Saturday.

“Scunthorpe are a strong side and they remind me very much of how Hartlepool used to play – fast, with energy and drive and a goalscorer up front who can get 20 goals. ”