James Brown - looking goo

By Charlie Summerbell
February 18 2010

Out for 12 weeks after the latest of a cruel series of knee injuries, Hartlepool United’s James Brown is expected to be in the squad for Saturday’s League One game against Huddersfield Town at Victoria Park. He’s not ready to start yet, but he showed in his comeback game for the reserves that he’s lost none of his finishing skills while he’s been out. He’s expected to be on the bench for the Huddersfield game, and will also be keen to be involved three days later when Pools are at home again, this time against Carlisle.
Pools have been playing well without getting the results in the last few weeks, and whether Brown plays in either of the games or not, it’s time they started winning.
Within two minutes of going on as a second-half sub for the reserves against Scunthorpe, Brown had scored two typical goals and really looked the part.
There’s no doubt that his ability has been missed since he was injured in November, but it’s just as sure that he will want to make an impact – he showed that with his two quickfire goals for the reserves.
Reserves coach Colin West told the Northern Echo: “He gives you that bit of excitement on the pitch, gives everyone a lift and he scored with his first touch – one thing on his mind, hit the target.
“We have missed him to a great extent. We have played extremely well in the last month or so, but have just missed the little bit of calmness to put the ball in the net.
“He won’t want to hold back now. “
Neither should any of his team-mates.
Against Norwich away and Leeds at home recently, Pools have shown they can match the teams at the top – now it’s time to beat one of the teams just below the top in Huddersfield.
And beating Carlisle on Tuesday is just as important.
The League One danger zone is getting a bit close for comfort and Pools need to play as well as boss Chris Turner says they can to get the results they need to climb back up the table.
Whether having last weekend off is good or bad for the team remains to be seen, but at least everybody should be fit – and, like Brown, they should all be busting for a game.
And busting for a win  or two.