By Albatross
February 11 2005

FA Cup Fever has gripped Hartlepool, with a sell-out looking likely at Victoria Park. Can Pools overcome Brentford and make it to the Fifth Round for the first time ever? By 5pm on Saturday both sets of fans will know whether it will be a shot at Cup Glory or just a League Game on February 19th. Since the first game Brentford have, like Pools , played just once - a 1-0 victory over MK Dons thanks to a penalty from Hunt. While not the most impressive performance (or result), it has to be kept in mind that the Bees were looking somewhat makeshift - new signing George Bankhole was in goal, while three Youth Teamers were on the bench. In those circumstances a win isn't a bad result.

Brentford are hoping to have a few players back for the game with Pools - notably Nelson in goal and Rankin in attack (who missed out through suspension last week) - but are still pretty much down to the bare bones. This hasn't stopped them going on a good run themselves - unbeaten in seven, with five wins. Five of those games have been at home - but they have won their last two away games, against Port Vale and, in the FA Cup, Luton. Otherwise, away form hasn't been that impressive this season - three league wins on the road and another in the cup.

Pools are on a very good run themselves of course, with an unbeaten run in all competitions that now stretches to 12 games. Our settled defensive unit of Konstantopoulos, Robertson, Westwood, Nelson and Ross has been on top form - we have conceded just five goals in that time. With the likes of Barron and Ben Clark able to step into the defence as well, it's currently looking like one of our strongest areas.

There's no news of further injury problems for Pools and that means we should be able to field not only an unchanged side, but a very strong bench. It may well be the same 16 that were on duty last weekend - meaning we'd have Provett, Strachan, Barron, Eifion Williams and Istead on the bench. The only players definately out of contention are the injured Darrell Clarke, who has been at Lilleshall this week, and new signing Jon Daly who is cup-tied.

It looks set to be a big crowd, which will be a boost to the coffers of both clubs; fewer than 500 tickets remained at the time of writing. However the real prize for both sides is a trip to Southampton next Saturday. It's a tough game for both sides - Martin Allen is saying some very complimentary things about Pools, and having failed to overcome Brentford in two attempts so far this season Cooper won't be underestimating Brentford either.

Both sets of fans will have an ear out for scores in Division 2 as well. Pools fans will be particularly interested in the games between Luton and Hull, Sheffield Wednesday and Bradford, and Tranmere and Colchester - a few draws wouldn't go amiss from the Poolie perspective!

This is one of those games that could go either way. Pools will probably be favourites mainly due to our stellar home form (Brentford's away record is average at best) but I can see a tight game ahead with probably only one goal in it. I'll go for Pools to take the tie though, a strike from Boyd to be the thing that finally splits the two sides.