Hartlepool United midfielder Josh Hawkes looking to take confidence from FA Cup win into the FA Trophy at Harrogate Town

Josh Hawkes of Hartlepool United celebrates scoring their first goal during the Vanarama National League match between Aldershot Town and Hartlepool United at the EBB Stadium, Aldershot on Saturday 12th October 2019. (Credit: Paul Paxford | MI News)

Pools go into the game on the back of a 1-0 win over Exeter City in the FA Cup second round with Hawkes netting the extra-time winner.

“To win against a team that is second in League Two and pushing for promotion is obviously massive for a club like us,” he admitted.

“The confidence we can take from it will be good and hopefully we can take it into the league and into the FA Trophy on Saturday.”

Manager Dave Challinor is expected to rotate things this weekend after previously keeping changes to a minimum in his opening seven games in charge.

And Hawkes feels the strength of the squad will hopefully help Pools progress.

“It’s massive and everyone has to be ready,” added the midfielder.

“Even Sweens [Antony Sweeney] used to say when he was caretaker that people who are on the bench are sometimes more important than the lads who start because last 10 minutes is when you’re trying to see a game out and those fresh legs could be the extra legs that you need.

“I think it’s good that everyone’s chomping at the bit and it also adds pressure to the lads who are starting because you need to do well or you don’t keep your place it’s as simple as that, so I think that is massive for everyone and hopefully we can keep doing well.”