Hartlepool United's Michael Duckworth will have no problem deepening former club York City's relegation fears

Duckworth returned to the Pools line-up after a four month injury absence during Tuesday’s 1-0 defeat against Notts County at Meadow Lane.

On Saturday Hartlepool host The Minstermen at Victoria Park, the club where Duckworth started his career with their academy.

The 23-year-old said: “We cant afford to lose again.

“Good teams don’t lose twice in a row. It is just unfortunate in my comeback we get beat. It doesn’t look great. I am looking forward to Saturday.

“I definitely don’t want to lose to them. It is always a good atmosphere so I am looking forward to it.

“I have got few a mates who play for them and they will be looking to get one over on us after last time.”

Pools won the reverse fixture 2-1 at Bootham Crescent and Saturday’s opponents now sit in the relegation zone, 10 points from safety.

Duckworth said: “It would be nice to do the double over them, call it bragging rights.

“I think they are a bit doomed but it would be nice to put them even further down, I will enjoy every minute of it.”

Saturday’s game sees Craig Hignett’s side return to Victoria Park, after three matches on the road against Carlisle, Morecambe and Notts County, something Duckworth is looking forward to.

“It would be nice to be back at home in front of our fans. The travelling support has been great the last couple of games and hopefully win.

“That game on Saturday (at Morcambe) was one of the best I have seen our away fans.

“It is what the lads need. It gives you a boost when on attacks and to hear them, it is like being at home. They have been outstanding all year.”

Due to his four-month lay-off, Tuesday night’s match against Notts County was Duckworth’s first appearance under Hignett who has led Pools to an impressive rise up the League Two table.

The defender said: “It was good to see, not good to see when not playing, but we are a team so I am pleased for all of them.

“The gaffer brought me to the club (when assistant manager in 2013) so I have a good relationship with him. It is nice to see him doing well.

“The last six or seven games have been unbelievable really. We have got it down, started playing passing football and had end product, so it is good to watch.”