Hartlepool United up for FA Cup TV repeat with Salford City

The second-round re-match was selected by BT Sport for live coverage after BBC2 screened the original meeting on Friday night.

And assistant boss Sam Collins views it as an opportunity for Pools to improve after a disappointing showing at Moor Lane.

But he told SportMail that Pools can’t think that they only have to turn up at Victoria Park to book a third-round tie with Derby County on January 9.

Salford City have won nine of their 10 away games in the Evo Stik Northern Premier Division and are confident for their first visit to the Vic.

“They are no mugs, we knew that before Friday night,” said Collins.

“Salford are a good side and they will be again at our place.

“But we have to perform better.

“I thought we carried four or five lads and you can’t afford to do that, so we probably got away with it with the draw.”

Collins was impressed with the development of the central defensive pairing of Matthew Bates and Adam Jackson, who were making their fourth appearance as a combination.

Bates is currently in the best form he’s been in since his move from Bradford City in summer 2014.

“But there were some strong performances, Batesy was outstanding, he’s been different class for us,” said Collins.

“Him and Jacko were solid again, they have formed a really good partnership.”