By Albatross
November 10 2003

Hartlepool United's FA Cup second round tie at Burton Albion has been switched to 1pm on Sunday 7th December after the BBC decided to screen the match live. Here's hoping for better luck than our previous appearances on camera... As reported on this site yesterday, our tie was immediately picked up on by Mark Lawrenson as an interesting-looking tie, and it's the Clough connection that makes it stand out. With Accrington Stanley having already had their moment in the sun, the remaining ties are to an extent lacking a little bit of sparkle - so it's no surprise that the Beeb have decided to show the match.

It's a welcome cash boost for both sides - £50K is on the table for each, and Burton in particular would welcome the money as they are in the process of building a new ground for next season. Add in the effects of a full house (4500), and the possibility of more to come should they beat Pools, then there's plenty of incentive there.

The thing is of course for Pools that our record on live TV is little short of abysmal. We have been beaten every time with the exception of February's 0-0 draw at York City, and the last time we featured live in the FA Cup we crashed out to non-league Hereford at this stage back in 1999 - a game that was definately one to forget, and a huge disappointment to Pools after beating Millwall in the first round.

Will things be different this time round? It's the first time we'll have been live on one of the main channels - the rest have all been on Sky or ITV Digital - and as well as the Clough connection the BBC have the scent of a possible upset in their nostrils. Burton are currently doing fairly well in the Conference - all the more so as they have remained part time - and having already disposed of Torquay, they will fancy their chances on their own turf. The added incentive of performing on TV won't do them any harm either, and with some experienced pros in their ranks - including two former England internationals in Clough and Sinton - the chances of them freezing in front of the cameras are minimal.

On the other hand, there's plenty for the Pools lads to play for. A good performance on TV would increase the profile of some of our more ambitious players no end - and it's also a chance to dispell some of the long-held prejudices about the club. Everyone remembers "Accrington Stanley - who're they?", but for many fans in the higher divisions it could equally well have been "Hartlepool United - who're they?" It may be a long way from the big stars of the Premiership, but a good performance from Pools could at least see some respect for our club. As someone surrounded by Liverpool, Everton and Man Utd fans, that's not to be sneezed at!

One thing is for certain - by making it the live game, interest in the tie has ratcheted up a notch for both sides. Sunday 7th December is just four weeks away.....