After Saturday's morale-boosting victory over Rochdale, Hartlepool United head to Cumbria to take on Carlisle on Tuesday (7.45pm KO).
The Opposition
Carlisle currently sit fourth in League Two after 11 wins from 25 games this season. They've won three of their last five matches, and last time out, they beat Newport County 2-0 at home.
The Blues are led by Paul Simpson, a former U17 World Cup winner with England. His side has been bolstered in recent weeks by the arrival of John-Kymani Gordon, with the Crystal Palace forward joining on a half-season loan deal.
The History
The sides have met 109 times in first-class competitions, with Pools winning 37 times, Carlisle winning 52 times, and 20 matches ending in a draw. Earlier this season, Pools lost 3-1 at home despite Alex Lacey's goal, with Pools' last win over the Blues coming in August 2021.
Prior to that, Pools' last win came in 2011 when they were 4-0 victors. Now-coach Tony Sweeney was on the scoresheet for Pools, the recently re-signed Peter Hartley was enjoying his first spell at Pools, and two Poolies-to-be featured for Carlisle - Liam Noble and Jordan Cook.
Team News
Pools have no new injury concerns ahead of the fixture, with Jamie Sterry having come through his return to action unscathed. New signings Edon Pruti, Peter Hartley, Matty Dolan, and Dan Dodds will all be available again, while Mo Niang returned to action after a long lay-off. Alex Lacey and Tom Crawford are long-term absentees.
How to Follow
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