THE North-East's first derby of the new season will come on August 23 when Hartlepool United and Darlington meet at Victoria Park.

The teams were paired together in yesterday's draw for the first round of the Carling Cup and will meet at Pool's home for the first time since September 2002.

Quakers were beaten 4-1 that day and the teams last met at Feethams in April 2003, when they played out a 2-2 draw.

Quakers triumphed 4-2 in 1995 at Victoria Park the last time the teams met in the FA Cup.

The tie will be the first time they have met in the League Cup.

After finishing in the upper echelons of League One last season, Pool were seeded in the draw.

Boss Martin Scott admitted: "It is a good game and very exciting for both clubs but we know it is going to be a difficult one.

"There is a lot of passion in games between Hartlepool and Darlington and that adds to the occasion but there is a big prize if we get through to the next round because some of the bigger teams come into it.

"It is a good chance to get through but an interesting draw because Darlington are obviously our local rivals.

"It won't be easy they did very well last season in League Two under David Hodgson and Mark Proctor and they will be looking to build on that next season."

Proctor, who has taken Darlington's first days of pre-season training in the absence of Hodgson, said: "It's a fantastic draw for both teams. It's been nearly two and half years since the sides last met and I know the players and fans will be counting down the days.

"We have high hopes for the new campaign and this is a fantastic challenge at the start of what will hopefully be a great season."

* Teenagers James Winter and Andy Appleby yesterday signed professional contracts at Pool.

* Stoke chairman Gunnar Por Gislason sacked Tony Pulis for the manager's failure to sign foreign players and it he has wasted little time in identifying a replacement.

Gislason has called a press conference for today when it is understood Pulis' successor will be unveiled to conclude a dramatic 24 hours at the Britannia Stadium.

* Chelsea's unsettled striker Mateja Kezman is on the brink of sealing his move to Atletico Madrid. The Serbia and Montenegro striker had a disappointing season in London.