After last week's FA Cup triumph over Harrogate Town, Hartlepool United return to League Two action as they host Stockport County on Saturday (3pm KO).
The Opposition
Stockport are currently 14th in League Two after winning seven of their 19 games this season. Led by former Pools manager Dave Challinor, The Hatters are enjoying their first season back in the Football League after spending 11 years in the non-league after relegation in 2011.
Along with Challinor, two former Poolies are in Stockport's squad. Promotion-winning defender Ryan Johnson joined the Hatters after a spell with Port Vale and Macauley Southam-Hales joined Stockport after leaving Fleetwood Town. The full-back had previously enjoyed a loan spell at Pools.
The History
The sides have met 139 in first-class competitions, with Pools winning 50 times, Stockport winning 57 times, and 32 matches ending in a draw. The sides last met in a memorable National League Play-Off semi-final. Rhys Oates' strike in the 76th minute saw Pools progress to Ashton Gate and eventually be promoted to the delight of Poolies watching from home.
Pools have lost just once in their last seven games with the Hatters, winning four of the last five.
Team News
Jamie Sterry and Alex Lacey are long-term absentees, while Mark Shelton, Mohamed Niang, and Euan Murray are all likely to be absent, too. Rollin Menayese made his comeback from injury last week and he'll be hoping to get a run in the team after shoring up the backline against Harrogate.
Ben Killip is touch and go for the fixture, with Pools still assessing their goalkeeper options ahead of Stockport's visit.
How to Follow
If you're not heading to the Suit Direct Stadium, you can keep an eye on the action via iFollow. All the information is available here.