By Albatross
November 4 2005

Is this the Daggers we see before us? Hartlepool United's FA Cup opponents are no mugs, but we're understandably favourites to progress to Round 2 against the Conference outfit. The Daggers are currently in 10th spot in the Conference, but recent form hasn't exactly been astounding. Other than their win over Forest Green in the 4th Qualifying Round, they have won just one game since the middle of September; two wins from their last eight games isn't exactly awe-inspiring. Their away form has been rather better than their home form though, with two wins and a draw from five games in addition to their victory in the cup.

Dagenham and Redbridge are a full-time outfit, but there's not too many familiar names in their squad. Warren Barton is currently one of the coaches, and while there are some players with League experience it's tended to be as a trainee at one of the London clubs. Paul Bruce is a former QPR player for example; Danny Foster was on Tottenham's books at one point; and Lee Goodwin was at West Ham but, like Foster, neve broke into the first team.

John Still turned down the chance to manage Bristol Rovers earlier this season, and is continuing to try and build a squad with a youthful feel to it at Victoria Road. There's a distinct lack of grizzled old pros on the way down - but there's enough experience to suggest that our opponents will know what they're about and shouldn't be dismissed as no-hopers.

The main goal threat this season has come from former Northwood striker Chris Moore, and Tresor Kandol, both with six; Kandol arrived from Thurrock, but has had some professional experiece, making a total of 18 starts and 16 sub appearances (six goals overall) in spells for Luton, where he was a trainee, Cambridge and Bournemouth. Meanwhile Craig Mackail-Smith has provided good support with five.

There's been some good news for the Daggers following their reserve team game this week: Paul Bruce, Jake Leberl, Mackail-Smith, Tim Cole and Danny Foster are all available for selection against Pools.

The main question for Pools is whether Neil Collins will be given clearance to play by Sunderland. At the time of writing we are still waiting for news either way: should he be missing, then the chances are that Darren Williams will get another chance to play at centre half with Darren Craddock coming in at right back. Mickey Barron is closing on on a return, but may find himself on the bench rather than starting. Other than that, it's mainly about whether Chris Llewellyn will be able to shake off the knock that saw him substituted before the break on Tuesday - Michael Maidens proved an adequate deputy and there's also the option of playing either Proctor or Eifion Williams there (although I'd prefer to see Eifion continue up front).

Two weeks ago you might have wondered if Pools were heading for an upset in this game; but the team is starting to hit it's stride and three wins on the trot makes us something of a form side. Will it be a walkover like Aldershot last season? Maybe if Boyd and Porter were around, but even so I think we'll win comfortably enough - 3-1 to Pools and a wait to see who we get in the second round.