Wycombe Wanderers take on Hartlepool United tomorrow night as the two sides will battle it out in the FA Cup first round.
The replay at Adams Park is the result of an entertaining 2-2 draw at Victoria Park 10 days earlier, where the Chairboys twice came back from behind to rescue the tie in the North East.
Admittedly, both teams could have done without a rematch, but after Gareth Ainsworth’s men have spent more time on the road this season than at their own ground, a fixture under the Adams Park lights is always an occasion to savor.
FT: Hartlepool United 2-2 Wycombe Wanderers
— James Richings | Bucks Free Press (@James_BFP) November 6, 2021
Goals from Chris Forino and Joe Jacobson save the Chairboys' blushes in the North East. A replay at Adams Park is now in the diary for 10 days time. #Chairboys #FACup
This is the third of four straight games at home for Wycombe, after playing 14 of their first 24 matches of the season away.
READ MORE: Gareth Ainsworth on Wycombe's missed chances as Wycombe lose to Portsmouth
It’s anyone’s game in South Bucks tomorrow night as both Hartlepool and Wycombe go into the tie off the back of two defeats, as Wanderers lost 1-0 at home to Portsmouth, whilst the Monkey Hangers fell to a 2-1 loss against Newport County over the weekend.
But there are no guarantees in this competition and Wycombe need to be on their A-game if they want to end a winless run that has stretched to five games.
So, to get us ready for the battle at AP, I spoke to Hartlepool United’s media officer in Alex Chandy, to get his views on tomorrow’s match.
🗺️ Wycombe have played 14 away games from their 22 matches so far this season...and they could have another 🗺️#ICYMI: Another potential away day? Wycombe COULD travel to Lincoln City in the #FACup second round https://t.co/FWE63wWcbo
— James Richings | Bucks Free Press (@James_BFP) November 9, 2021
How satisfied have you been with Hartlepool’s performances since returning to the EFL?
AC: “I think most Hartlepool fans will be overall pleased with the performances.
“We have been threatening in every game and even the away games that we have lost, we have always been challenging.”
Were Hartlepool considered unlucky to not go through in the original tie at Victoria Park?
AC: “The overall feeling was that Pools were unlucky not to win.
“Wycombe did show their quality as a League One side, but overall I think Pools edged it.”
Who are the players that Wycombe need to be on the lookout for?
AC: “I think there will be changes and rotation to the side and we may see 18-year-old Joe Grey make a start who is a lively and quick striker.
𝘼𝙬𝙖𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙡𝙖𝙙𝙨 🚎
— Hartlepool United FC (@Official_HUFC) November 15, 2021
Tickets for our next three away games are all on sale now!
Purchase both online and in-store.#BackToBusiness
What would you say is one of Hartlepool’s weaknesses that Wycombe could exploit?
AC: “We obviously have a weakness playing away from home.
"It’s something we have struggled with all season."
The late defeat against Newport would have obviously been a big blow for morale, but coincided with that, Wanderers lost to Portsmouth on the same weekend despite being the better side – which club needs this win more?
AC: “Both teams obviously want to progress.
“It’s been a big few weeks for Hartlepool recently with Tony Sweeney taking interim charge, we need to get back on track.”
How do you see it going on Tuesday night?
AC: “I think it’ll be a close game again. I can see it going ET and pens.”
The match will kick-off at 7.45pm.
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