Jordan Richards has been handed a start on the right of midfield after Hartlepool United boss Paul Murray made three changes for their FA Cup first-round tie with East Thurrock United.

Richards is joined in the first XI by left-back Dan Jones and Sidney Schmeltz, with Neil Austin, Charlie Wyke and Matthew Bates missing out.

East Thurrock's top goalscorer Sam Higgins will start after previously being a fitness doubt, along with Connor Witherspoon.

Emmanuel Osei was already ruled out of the game with an Achilles injury.

Hartlepool United: Finders, Duckworth, Collins, Austin, Jones, Richards, Featherstone, Walker, Franks, Schmeltz, Harewood

East Thurrock United: Hughes, Peddie, Wood, Goodacre, Stephen, Witherspoon, Parmenter, Bryant, Smith, Gilbey, Higgins