Exeter City make their second longest journey of the season on Saturday as they face League Two newcomers Hartlepool United at Victoria Park.
The Teesside outfit were promoted from the National League last season after a penalty shoot out victory over Torquay in the play-off final at Ashton Gate in June, and have enjoyed a decent start to life back in the Football League.
The Monkey Hangers, as they are nicknamed after a local legendary tale, are the only remaining side in League Two with a 100% home record, conceding only once at Victoria Park, and go into the game on the back of a 0-0 draw at Oldham Athletic last weekend.
The Grecians are in good form themselves, with seven points from three games in September so far, scoring six times and are yet to concede following last weekend's 2-0 victory over Sutton United at SJP.
Matt Taylor's Thoughts
Matt Taylor has praised "key actions at key times" from his players so far this season, but has warned the threat Hartlepool can possess, ahead of this weekend's game.
"We need to go there and affect the game in a positive way. We know we have to ride our luck at times.
"So far we've shown a will and a stubborness in defence but we need a bit of everything this weekend to win the game"
On the opposition: "We've got to understand what the atmosphere will feel like when we kick off and quieten down the expectations.
"They've got a good defensive record, you've got to rely on your home form and that's what Hartlepool have done."
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Hartlepool United's Last Match
Oldham Athletic 0 Hartlepool United | 18/09/21 | Sky Bet League Two
Dave Challinor's side picked up their first away point of the season as they held the Latics to a goalless draw at Boundary Park.
The Ground
- Name: Victoria Park
- Capacity: 7,865
- Year opened: 1886
- Record Attendance: 17,426 (vs Manchester United, FA Cup 3rd Round, 1957)
- Address: Clarence Road, Hartlepool, TS24 8BZ
Originally home to West Hartlepool RFC, Victoria Park was renamed upon Queen Victoria’s diamond jubilee before Hartlepools United sought tenancy in 1908.
During the First World War the ground was destroyed by a German Zepellin and the main stand was demolished. In 1957 over 17,000 fans crammed into the Stadium to see Matt Busby’s Manchester United run out 4-3 winners in a thriller. This was regarded by Busby as the most exciting game he’s ever witnessed
The England women's national football team beat Sweden 4–0 in an August 2014 friendly at Victoria Park. It was the female England team's first game in the North East since a 1–1 draw with Italy at Roker Park, Sunderland in November 1995. Several of the English players came from the North East, including Jordan Nobbs whose father Keith had played 327 times for Hartlepool United.
City fans will be housed in the Simpson Millar Stand (or the Rink End), behind one of the goals. The stand has a capacity of just over 1,000 seated.
Tickets and Travel
Ticket prices are as follows:
- Adults: £20
- Seniors (65+): £14
- Students: £14
- Armed Forces: £14
- Under-19s: £14
- Under-16s: £5
- Under-5s: £0
Please note that ID is required for concession pricing.
Ambulant disabled are charged the relevant age category with a free carer given where person is on High Rate DLA for care or mobility. Please contact Hartlepool direct on 01429 272 584 to purchase.
Tickets will be available on the day from the ground.
Grecian Travel
Grecian Travel, run by the Supporters' Club is available for City's trip to Hartlepool United.
- The coach will depart from Unit 1 nightclub at 6am for a fare of £48 for adults and £43 for under-16s
Other pick-up points include: Honiton Road park and ride (by Miller and Carter Steakhouse), junction 28 (Cullompton services). Junction 27 (Tiverton), junction 25 (Taunton.) All other pick-ups by prior arrangement.
PLEASE NOTE: Face coverings are required to travel on Grecian Travel. This does not apply if you are exempt.
How to buy
Currently Grecian Travel can only be booked directly.
For more information or to book please contact John Bishop on 07904036334 or by email at: john.bishop760@btinternet.com (after 6pm).
How To Follow
Can't make the game? Why not get the next best thing and listen LIVE on iFollow! (Overseas views can watch the match for £10 or local currency equivalent)
By purchasing a match pass at the cost of just £2.50 in the UK you'll get access to the audio stream which includes the live BBC Radio Devon commentary.
The match pass revenue goes directly to the club, so you will be showing your support from home!
To purchase a match pass please click here.
- For further details on iFollow, please click here
- For a first time guide to iFollow, please click here
Previous Encounter
Then non-league Hartlepool were the victors in our last meeting, as they ran out 1-0 winners in this FA Cup second round replay. Jack Sparkes was sent off for a second yellow as Josh Hawkes struck the winner at Victoria Park.