Hartlepool United 2-1 Blackpool RECAP: All the action from the FA Cup third round tie at the Suit Direct Stadium as Pools move into round four
So far this term Graeme Lee’s side have seen off four League One teams across both the EFL Trophy and the FA Cup.
Lee’s first game in the dugout as Pools boss saw his side claim a 1-0 win over Lincoln City at Sincil Bank to book this afternoon’s third round tie with Blackpool.
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Hide AdAnd having overcome Wycombe Wanderers in round one, Pools will now look to go one better by beating a Championship side at the Suit Direct Stadium.
It may well be a good time for Pools to come up against the Seasiders with Neil Critchley's side plagued by a number of injuries and COVID-19 cases.
But Pools have injury concerns of their own. Tuesday’s win over Bolton Wanderers saw Stoke City loanee Eddy Jones fill in at right back with the more recognised names of Jamie Sterry, Reagan Ogle and Luke Hendrie all missing through injury.
Jones’ future with Pools remains unclear following discussions with parent club Stoke in the week meaning Lee will be hoping to have at least one of his other right backs available for today’s game.
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Hide AdSpeaking on Friday Lee told The Mail: "They’ve been progressing. It’s still in the balance a little bit.
"Hopefully all three should train as planned. Let’s hope all three get through the training session and if that’s ok we’ll have a smile on our face.”
Elsewhere Lee revealed goalkeeper Jonathan Mitchell is currently in talks to renew his deal with the club after the former Newcastle United stopper missed each of Pools’ last two games.
A deal is on the table for Mitchell who is assessing his options.
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Hide Ad“His contract was up,” Lee said of Mitchell’s recent absence.
"We’ve made an offer to him and he’s having a discussion and has a decision to make whether he wants to take that up.
“It’s in Jonno’s hands at the moment so we’re just waiting for an answer.”
Lee revealed he had spoken to former goalkeeper Trevor Carson as a potential replacement should Mitchell fail to agree terms while the Pools boss also distanced himself from Notts County winger Callum Roberts.
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Hide AdStay tuned to our live blog for all the updates throughout the afternoon.
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Hartlepool United 2-1 Blackpool LIVE: Updates from FA Cup third round
Key Events
- Joe Grey gives Hartlepool the lead
- David Ferguson equalises against his former club
- Keshi Anderson’s strike gives Blackpool the lead
- Hartlepool United XI: Killip, Sterry, Byrne, Liddle, Odusina, Ferguson, Featherstone, Crawford, Holohan, Molyneux, Cullen
- Subs: Boyes, Ogle Francis-Angol, Shelton, Daly, Smith, Olomola, Grey, Fondop
- Blackpool XI: Grimshaw, Connolly, Husband, Anderson, Bowler, Dougall, Madine, Lavery, Ekpiteta ©, Keogh, Sterling
- Subs: Gabriel, Yates, Moore, Mitchell, Casey, Hamilton, Garbutt, Mariette, Monks
- Hartlepool United host Blackpool in the FA Cup third round
TEAM NEWS
The team news is in at the Suit Direct Stadium ad Graeme Lee has made six changes to the side following the midweek win over Bolton Wanderers.
Jamies Sterry is back in defence having overcome a rib injury while Gary Liddle and David Ferguson return as Pools revert to a back five.
Nicky Featherstone captains the side while Gavan Holohan earns his second start in a week.
Mark Cullen is back up front to face his former club alongside Luke Molyneux.
𝙋𝙤𝙤𝙡𝙨 𝙠𝙚𝙚𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙖𝙗𝙨 𝙤𝙣 𝘾𝙤𝙗𝙪𝙧𝙣
Graeme Lee has not given up hope of an unlikely deal for Middlesbrough striker Josh Coburn this month.
The teenager signed a new deal with Boro this week keeping him at the Riverside until 2025 after impressing in the first team this season.
Reports had suggested following Coburn’s new deal the youngster may be set to head out on-loan this month and Pools boss Lee admits it’s a situation they will monitor.
“I know Josh Coburn, he’s a fantastic player and if he was made available to us then he’d definitely be one I’d want to bring in but he’s just signed a new contract at Middlesbrough,” Lee told The Mail.
“I’ve sent him a message just to congratulate him on that more than anything. He’s a fantastic asset and Middlesbrough, as far as I know, are keeping him in the building at the moment but we’ll monitor that situation.”
𝙂𝙧𝙖𝙚𝙢𝙚 𝙇𝙚𝙚 𝙧𝙚𝙛𝙡𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙨 𝙤𝙣 𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙢𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙝 𝙞𝙣 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙜𝙚
It’s been a busy first month in charge of Hartlepool United for manager Graeme Lee.
After weeks of searching, Pools named Lee as their new boss at the beginning of December alongside his assistant Michael Nelson and the pair have had plenty to deal with during their opening spell in charge.
But is Lee pleased with his first few weeks having made the step up from Middlesbrough’s academy?
“If you went off my sleepless nights then probably not no,” said Lee.
“I’ve been in a month and I’ve got a plan to reflect after a month but it’s a busy time at the moment. I had plans when I came in to try and tighten things up the best we could and keep us in games and then it’s about us moving forward now.
“Results wise it’s been positive. Obviously the disappointing one on Boxing Day but I know there’s so much more to come.
“But the first month I’ve come in I’ve not tried to change a hell of a lot, I’ve just tried to see how things go but now it’s time to reflect and look at where I want to move forward from now.”
Good morning and welcome to the Suit Direct Stadium for today’s live blog as Hartlepool United host Blackpool in the FA Cup third round.
Pools enjoyed another successful night on home soil in midweek when they saw off League One side Bolton Wanderers in the Papa John’s Trophy and Graeme Lee’s men will be hoping to add another scalp this afternoon.
Stay tuned throughout the day for all the team news and updates at the Suit Direct Stadium with kick-off at 12.30pm.