Josh Hawkes hoping to address Hartlepool United's issues at Victoria Park with FA Cup second round win over Exeter City

Josh Hawkes believes Hartlepool United can take encouragement from their second half performance in their 2-2 draw at Exeter City ahead of tonight’s FA Cup replay.
Josh Hawkes of Hartlepool United shoots at goal during the FA Cup match between Exeter City and Hartlepool United at St James' Park, Exeter on Sunday 1st December 2019. (Credit: Mark Fletcher | MI News)Josh Hawkes of Hartlepool United shoots at goal during the FA Cup match between Exeter City and Hartlepool United at St James' Park, Exeter on Sunday 1st December 2019. (Credit: Mark Fletcher | MI News)
Josh Hawkes of Hartlepool United shoots at goal during the FA Cup match between Exeter City and Hartlepool United at St James' Park, Exeter on Sunday 1st December 2019. (Credit: Mark Fletcher | MI News)

Exeter have made the 350-mile trip north to Victoria Park for the midweek cup tie with a third round clash at Oxford United as well as £54,000 going to the victors this evening.

Going into the second half of the campaign, Pools have won just four matches at Victoria Park in 2019-20 and that’s something Hawkes wants to help put right.

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“Hopefully we can turn the home form round and start picking up some good results starting tonight,” said the 20-year-old midfielder.

“I think away from home, teams come onto us more so our pace can be more effective on the counter attack while at home teams sit back and it can be hard to break down.

“When we played Exeter they were a lot more clinical in the first half but we penned them back second half and put them under pressure.

“I’d say we were the better team in the second half so we’ll be looking to use that and take it into the replay back at home.”

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Despite suffering a set-back at Woking on Saturday, Hawkes feels Pools are more than capable of using an FA Cup run to galvanise their season.

He added: “If we just keep building on this momentum that’s gathering and get a result tonight then there’s no reason why we can’t take that into the league and be right up there.”