LIAM NOBLE was left out of the Hartlepool United squad on Saturday, boss Matthew Bates consigning the midfielder on the sidelines.

Noble watched Pools’ fifth National League defeat in a row from the sidelines, as Bates took a hard stance with the midfielder.

It is understood Bates took the decision after Noble clashed with a number of his team-mates on the team bus on Friday after he criticised some of the players over what they were eating.

Noble discovered he was being left out of the team only when the team was announced after Pools arrived at the ground.

The summer signing from Notts County then headed over to the main stand to speak with Pools officials. Craig Hignett, the director of football, Mark Maguire, the club’s chief executive, and director Ian Scobbie were at the game and spoke to the player.

Noble, never shy in coming forward, indicated he would seek talks with the club and Bates on Monday. Pools are at home to Fylde on Tuesday evening and it remains to be seen if the midfielder will be selected by Bates.

Of the decision Bates said: "I pick a squad and starting 11 based on what I see in training and it was my decision to not include him in that."

Pools will be without captain Andrew Davies for a month. The centre-half went off injured in the first-half of last week’s FA Cup replay with Gillingham.

Bates, who switched to a 3-5-2 set-up, said Davies was suffering from a nerve problem in his back which affects his hamstring and calf on Wednesday evening and it was hoped the problem could be managed.

However, a calf problem has ruled him out for four weeks – his second lengthy injury spell of the season after he missed six weeks with an ankle ligament problem.

In the absence of both the captain and vice captain, Bates gave the captain’s armband to midfielder Paddy McLaughlin.

Pools fell two goals down to the National League’s bottom side, before substitute Josh Hawkes pulled one back to offer hope of a late leveller.

Bates said: “We started slowly and they are a physical side and we didn’t match that. They were first to first balls and second balls and scored two goals which we have to do better at.

“We couldn’t score at the other end, despite having a few good chances. The best team won on the night I think.

“Everyone is hugely disappointed as a group, but we saw second half the fight and spirit to put it right. We are at a crossroads right now and we have a game Tuesday so we have to bounce back quickly.

“It’s testing as a manager, but you have to come through it if toy want to be in the game a long time and I intend to keep going.

“It’s a long way back, it’s important to rest and get ready for Tuesday. We have a tough spell with travelling and fixtures and extra time last week. It’s relentless.

“The players are lacking confidence and we try and get that confidence back.’’

DOVER: Walker, Passley, Debayo, Lewis, Lokko, Brundle, Gomis (Nortey 76), Taylor, Allen, Reason (Jeffrey 74), Effiong (Sho-Silva 90). Subs (not used): Diarra, Worgan,

POOLS: Loach, Kioso, Richardson (Hawkes 70), Magnay, Anderson, Kitching, Donaldson, Featherstone, McLaughlin, James (Muir 70), O’Neill (Dinanga 77). Subs (not used): Catterick (gk), Butler.