NEALE COOPER last night saluted his travelling support, after Hartlepool United secured a spot in the draw for round five of the FA Cup, writes Nick Loughlin.

Pool are one of only two North-East representatives left it the competition.

And now, with Brentford visiting VIctoria Park for the replay on Saturday, February 12, Cooper and Pool are hoping for a sell-out.

Pool sold 1,500 tickets ahead of the game and another 400 paid on the day - more than a third of Pool's average home support travelled to London - and Cooper was quick to pay tribute.

He said: "The fans were brilliant again - I think everyone in Hartlepool must have won the lottery because they have travelled so far and in such numbers and it isn't cheap.

"When we pulled up at the ground there was blue and white everywhere on the streets and they gave the boys a great welcome coming off the bus and you don't realise how much that means to all of us.

"We love it and are very grateful to them all. They created a good atmosphere and played their part.''

Defender Chris Westwood, outstanding at the back alongside Micky Nelson, said: "It was a battle, we knew it was going to be tough.

"But it is all about being through into the draw. They still have to come to us and, while we will be confident, we know it will be a hard game.''

Brentford boss Martin Allen said: "It was a great FA Cup tie for both teams and their supporters who got behind their sides.

"It was the kind of blood and thunder game you got in the 1930s.''

* Pool and Brentford will be ball number ten in the 1.30pm draw.

Pool have twice previously been in the fifth round draw when fourth round ties went to replays.

In 1989, the winners of the Pool v Bournemouth tie were paired with Manchester United and, in in 1955, Pool or Nottingham Forest were drawn against Newcastle. Pool lost 5-2 at Bournemouth and 2-1 at Forest in the replays.

Read more about Hartlepool here.