IT didn’t take Sam Collins long to pick his Hartlepool United team for tonight.

Pools go to Accrington, under the command of caretaker boss Collins for the fourth time.

And, in the aftermath of Saturday’s home defeat to Luton, he weighed up his options, seeking a second win after victory at Exeter ten days ago.

“I wrote a team down straight after the game and I might look to freshen things up a little bit,’’ admitted Collins.

“Shape wise it won’t be too different to Exeter but we have to go there, be positive and look to get a good result.’’

Connor Smith, after a lively late cameo, and Kieran Green, who impressed on his debut in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy defeat to Sheffield United two weeks ago are in contention. Marlon Harewood remains out of the picture and won’t be considered.

Collins admitted: “It is frustrating when you play, never mind being on the sidelines and you see things that you can’t do anything about.

“Maybe the lads didn’t take on board what we said or perhaps it is a little lapse in concentration in big moments. Luton scored with their first shot as well and that is the way it goes.

“If you get chances you have to take them.

“It is down to us, can we take those chances and keep the back door shut?

“Football is a simple game, it gets complicated when people don’t do the right things and that is what has cost us.

“Everyone is going to make mistakes, that will always happen.

“If they are giving 100 per cent then I can accept it, they gave that on Saturday but those little lapses have cost us two goals.”

After sticking with the same side that won at Exeter for the Luton game, Collins said: “I was always going to play the same team.

“The longer the game went on I wanted to put their two centre halves under more pressure with more pace up front, which you get with Connor Smith.

“That is why I did what I did towards the end.

“The lads that missed out were fit. It is my choice, I am not afraid of leaving people out if I think it is for the benefit of the team.

“I’d said if you play in the reserves and do well then there is a chance you will be involved.

“That is why young Josh Nearney was on the bench.

“It is up to everyone else now.

“I think Hawkins did really well first half but drifted out of the game a little bit second half.

“Dan Jones did well again and I am pleased with how they have both done since coming in.

“The situation is tough that we find ourselves in but the one thing you get from the young lads is that they will always have a good go.

“We know need to rest, recover, eat well, and speak to the physio and fitness guys and see how everyone is.

“Tuesday night is another big game.

“I feel like we can go there and get three points. There wasn’t a great deal in the Luton game.’’

Midfielder Josh Rowbotham, 20, has left Pools after asking for his contract to be terminated. He made two appearances for the club and is planning a career away from professional football.