Hartlepool United ace Mark Shelton targeting FA Cup run ahead of Salford City reunion

Pools will face Salford City in the first round of the FA Cup with the club just a couple of wins away from a potentially lucrative third round draw when the top Premier League sides enter the draw.

Pools, who sealed their place in the first round with a comfortable victory over Ilkeston Town on Saturday, will face the big-spending Ammies early next month.

Salford are currently being managed by Manchester United legend Paul Scholes and are eyeing promotion from League Two.

Shelton said: “It’s a massive competition and it’s huge for the fans but it’s different this year, it feels different and the fans not able to be at games is a shame.

"But as players we always dream about playing in the FA Cup because no matter what level you’re at, if you progress you never know who you can draw and you can end up playing against players you wouldn’t have dreamed of facing.

"It’s a long way away but it’s three or four wins and you could be playing a Man United or someone like that which would obviously be huge for the club.”

Shelton, 24, played for Salford City for three seasons between 2017-20 before making the permanent switch to The Vic in the summer following a successful loan spell last season with boss Dave Challinor making his signing a priority this summer.

Ties are set to be played on Saturday, November 7 – but could be moved across the weekend if selected for live broadcast.

Winning teams in the first round will pocket the very specific sum of £22,629, and that figure could be substantially boosted if the tie is selected as one of the television picks.

All games in the FA Cup first round will be played behind closed doors, regardless of the league of the host club.

The FA confirmed the move on the eve of the draw given current government guidelines.

Pools made the first round of the competition after their resounding 6-0 win at Ilkeston Town in the FA Cup on Saturday.

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