Hartlepool United legend Brian Honour believes Pools' underdogs can shock runaway leaders Northampton Town

The Pools legend recalls, fondly, that the Cobblers were the opponents the day the club won the second promotion in their history 25 years ago

But Honour says his optimism is based on more recent results than that famous 3-1 win in May 1991.

“On paper, Saturday’s game against Northampton looks to be a daunting task,” said Honour, who is now the expert summariser on match commentaries on Pools Player.

“However, in a daft sort of way I really fancy us.

“I look at the way we played against Wycombe [1-0] and against Orient [3-1] when no-one gave us a cat in hell’s chance.

“But we performed well and got the results.

“It’s sod’s law that Northampton are going to lose a game along the way somewhere.

“It’s 100 per cent that they won’t go and win every game until the end of the season.

“Every weekend there are surprise results – and I think it could be us that does the job on Saturday.

“We might be underdogs and nobody will expect it.

“But I think we tend to do better against the better sides and I have a gut feeling that Saturday will be our day at the Vic.”

Honour said the 1991 promotion clincher is still vivid in his memory.

“Of course, Northampton is a team that is etched in my mind first and foremost from that memorable day back in May 1991 when we won promotion by beating them,” he said in an interview on the club website.

“Fans of that era probably won’t place too much emphasis on other games again them.

“If you ask them about ‘the Northampton game’ everyone knows the one you’re talking about!

“As well as that, I also scored my first Pools goal against Northampton back in September 1985.

“I still remember it like it was yesterday.

“I think it was Nigel Walker who put the cross in, the keeper fumbled it and I put it in from close range right in front of the Town End.

“And then celebrated like a mad man!”

Honour’s full interview can be seen at www.hartlepoolunited.co.uk.