JACK Ross is relishing the chance to make history tomorrow.
The Scot will be part of the Hartlepool United back line seeking a place in the fifth round of the FA Cup for the first time in the club's history when they take on Brentford at Victoria Park.
Pool have never gone beyond the fourth round and a trip to Southampton is up for grabs for tomorrow's winners.
The teams played out a tense goalless draw at Griffin Park 13 days ago, but with an unbeaten home record behind them this season, Pool are confident of reaching the last 16.
"The incentive is there for the players to go out and see the club's name in the fifth round, because that's never happened before,'' said Ross.
"With home advantage the onus will be on us a bit more to attack them. It was a hard game at Brentford - they play a hard game and Saturday will be no different.
"Look at where they are in the table. There's not much difference between the two teams. Hopefully we can play a bit more at home.''
Neale Cooper's side are unbeaten in 12 games and have kept seven clean sheets in that run, conceding just five times and scoring 21 goals in the process.
Ross is playing right back in a settled back four and believes being able to put the same rearguard out week in, week out has proved the difference.
He added: "We've kept seven clean sheets this run and to be honest I didn't realise how many it was until before Saturday's game.
"Before Christmas we were leaking goals and, if you want to be at the right end of the league table, you cannot do it. But we've stopped doing it now and tightened up - long may it continue.
"We've got a settled back four and a good understanding now. We work well as a unit and the four in front of us do a good job as well.
"They can dig in when needed and Ritchie and Sweens have good engines on them as well.
"They work hard and they don't leave us exposed. But a lot of it is down to the whole team spirit we have here.''
Ross this week reaffirmed his commitment to the club, after expressing doubts about his future last November.
The former Clyde skipper wanted to return north, but with the transfer window closed, is now settled at Victoria Park.
He admitted: "I think it's made a big difference for me to come back in fit and I'm enjoying my football. But in this team it's hard not to enjoy it. The League table looks great and it's nice to see our name still in the FA Cup.''
* There are 500 tickets still available for tomorrow's FA Cup fourth round replay. The ticket office will be open until 6pm tonight.
Read more about Hartlepool here.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article