Hartlepool United handed away FA Trophy draw to National League rivals Halifax Town

The tie will take place on Saturday, December 19 (3pm kick-off) at The Shay, a week before Halifax travel to Victoria Park to face Pools in the National League on Boxing Day.

The draw for both the second and third rounds of the competition were announced at 1pm on Wednesday, December 9 despite several first round ties yet to be completed due to lockdown disruptions and postponements.

Pools enter the competition at the third round stage along with the other 22 National League clubs.

The final of last season’s competition between Harrogate Town, now in League Two and Concord Rangers from the National League South still hasn’t been played at Wembley Stadium due to the coronavirus pandemic.

That means Pools boss Dave Challinor remains the last manager to lift the FA Trophy following success with AFC Fylde at the end of the 2018-19 season.

A message from the Football Clubs Editor

Our aim is to provide you with the best, most up-to-date and most informative Hartlepool United coverage 365 days a year.

This depth of coverage costs, so to help us maintain the high-quality reporting that you are used to, please consider taking out a subscription to our new sports-only package here.

Your support is much appreciated. Richard Mennear, Football Clubs Editor