City of Liverpool vs Hartlepool United on 09 Dec 23 - Match Centre

For the first time this season, Hartlepool United are in Isuzu FA Trophy action as they travel to City of Liverpool on Saturday (3pm kick-off). This is the first time both sides have met.

The Lowdown

Pools head into the fixture in mixed form. The last three matches read one win, one draw, and one loss, with John Askey's side currently sitting 12th in the National League table.

City of Liverpool ply their trade in the Northern Premier League West Division, part of the eighth tier of English football. Led by manager Paul McNally, the Purps overcame National League North side Buxton in the previous round. Top scorer Josh Quarless will be the one to watch for City of Liverpool this weekend.

The tie will be settled on the day at the Berry Street Garage Stadium, with it going straight to penalties should it finish level within the 90 minutes.

Team News

Matty Dolan could be available after making a return to training, though Charlie Seaman is expected to be absent due to injury. Tom Crawford will also miss the fixture after suffering an ankle injury against Bromley. Pools' injury list still features Dan Dodds, Anthony Mancini, Luke Hendrie and Alex Lacey.

Ciaran Brennan could make his first Pools appearance after joining on loan from Sheffield Wednesday during the week.

Tickets and How to Follow

Tickets can be purchased online through City of Liverpool. There are no tickets on the gate - they must be bought in advance.

The game is not being live streamed, but regular updates will be posted on the club's official social media sites. Live commentary will also be provided by BBC Radio Tees.

Mani Dieseruvwe scored a second-half double as Hartlepool United avoided an Isuzu FA Trophy upset by winning 5-1 at City of Liverpool.

Ciaran Brennan was named in the backline for his Hartlepool debut, while Manny Onariase and Joe Grey returned to the starting 11.

However, John Askey's side fell behind early. Danny Mitchley was brought down outside the box and leading scorer Josh Quarless’s low free-kick beat the wall and then keeper Joel Dixon to put City of Liverpoo ahead.

Thereafter, it was all-Pools as City struggled to make any headway into an horrific wind.

Callum Cooke went just over from a free-kick in the seventh minute before Dieseruvwe headed over five minutes later.

Pools and Nicky Featherstone were denied by two wonder saves from home keeper Jack Atkinson, one to the left in the 32nd minute and the second to the right just before half-time.

Pools had the task of playing into the rain and gale in the second half, but the wind did not stop Dieseruvwe scoring his 14th of the season.

Ferguson was the provider with the cross before Dieseruvwe powerfully headed in.

Pools were given a boost six minutes later when the Purps were reduced to 10 men after Quarless challenged Onariase, with referee Sam Mulhall reaching to his back pocket for his red card.

And Askey’s team were in front in the 64th minute through Featherstone’s third goal of the season, having met Jake Hastie's cross at close-range.

And the deal was sealed 10 minutes from time when Ferguson produced some good approach play, and after Joe Grey’s progress was blocked, Dierseruvwe scored with a fine finish.

Pools were not finished though and Cooke curled home in the first minute of added time before youngster Louis Stephenson, on for Hastie, scored with his first touch to make it 5-1.

Mitchley was sent off in the final minute as City of Liverpool were reduced to nine, before the referee called time on proceedings at the Berry Street Garage Stadium with Pools progressing to the Isuzu FA Trophy fourth round.

Pools: Dixon, Brennan, Onariase, Mattock, Hastie (Stephenson 90), Featherstone, Wallace, Ferguson, Cooke, Grey, Dieseruvwe

Subs (not used): Jameson, Johnson, Burton, Dolan, Paterson, Umerah

Goals: Dieseruvwe (52, 80), Featherstone (64), Cooke (90+1), Stephenson (90+4)

Hartlepool United Football Club

Match Preview: Pools enter Isuzu FA Trophy

Match Report: Pools progress in Isuzu FA Trophy