The Grecians return to Emirates FA Cup action this Sunday against Hartlepool United, with a place in the third round up for grabs!
Here’s everything you need to know about Exeter’s opponents...
- Founded: 1908
- Nickname: Pools
Hartlepool United Football Club was formed as a professional club in 1908 from a successful Amateur Cup-winning team, and joined the League in 1921.
Through two minor name changes, Hartlepool United have spent all of their years in the lower two divisions of the Football League, but nonetheless have a fascinating if somewhat chequered history.
The Club moved past their Centenary year in 2008. They were relegated to the National League at the end of the 2016/17 season after finishing 23rd in League Two. In 2018, Hartlepool was sold to Raj Singh, narrowly avoiding liquidation.
Previous FA Cup Match
Yeovil Town 1 Hartlepool United 4 | 12 November 2019
The Pools cruised into round two of the FA Cup with a convincing 4-1 win over Yeovil Town in Dave Challinor's first game in charge. Hartlepool fell behind to a third minute Yeovil goal but found themselves 2-1 down after 20 minutes. The Pools extended their lead in the second-half and a red card for Yeovil made it an even harder task.
The manager
Dave Challinor
Dave Challinor was appointed as the new First Team Manager of Hartlepool United in November 2019, succeeding Craig Hignett in the dugout at Victoria Park.
His first match as boss came in the Emirates FA Cup against Yeovil Town which the Pools won emphatically 4-1 setting up Sunday's tie against the Grecians at St James Park.
He arrives as Pools boss on the back of a long and hugely successful spell as boss at AFC Fylde, during which he oversaw The Coasters’ elevation through the footballing pyramid.
The ground
- Name: Victoria Park
- Capacity: 7,856
- Year opened: 1886
- Address: Clarence Road, Hartlepool, TS24 8BZ
Victoria Park is also known as the Super Six Stadium for sponsorship reasons. The ground is on Clarence Road, close to the town centre.
The four sides of the ground are known as the Town End Terrace with a capacity of 1,775, the Niramax Stand with a capacity of 1,617 seated and 1,832 terraced standing, the Cyril Knowles Stand, official capacity 1,599, and the Rink End with a capacity of 1,033.
One to watch
Gime Toure
Powerful French forward Gime Toure joined the Pools in the summer from Sutton United and quickly hit the ground running. He is Hartlepool's top scorer with 9 strikes so far, including scoring Hartlepool's fourth against Yeovil Town in the Emirates FA Cup first-round.
Most recent meetings
Hartlepool United 3 Exeter City 1 | 4 March 2017
City fell to a first defeat in five matches despite taking the lead at Victoria Park. A double from Lewis Alessandra, either side of Padraig Amond's thunderbolt earned the Pools all three points.
Exeter City 1 Hartlepool United 2 | 13 August 2016
Liam McAlinden scored his first goal for Exeter City, but Hartlepool United fightback to win thanks to two goals in a minute from Michael Woods and Billy Painter.
Head to head
- Exeter City wins: 34
- Draws: 22
- Hartlepool United wins: 26
Ticket news
Ticket prices have been reduced across all stands, with no advance discounts. Tickets will also be available on the day at St James Park.
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