ELATED Ken Hodcroft last night revealed facing Sunderland in the FA Cup is a football dream he has waited six years for.

The Hartlepool United chairman is looking forward to a bumper pay-day on January 3 when his side go to the Stadium of Light.

Hodcroft and IOR took over at Pool in September 1997 and, after overseeing the most successful period in the club's history, he couldn't be happier with the draw.

Pool beat Burton 1-0 on Sunday to go into the third round draw for the first time since 1992 and he said: "It's a great draw for the club and for IOR, who took over the club six years ago.

"We, as owners, have always hoped to reach the third round and play one of the North-East teams either home or away.

"It is a credit to Neale Cooper and Martin Scott and the whole squad that they took on a difficult game at Burton Albion and did a professional job.

"It will be a great day for the club and the fans, but we've got a lot of football to play before then. We have four League games in what is always a busy period, and it is these that we must concentrate on."

Marco Gabbiadini last week underwent a knee operation which ruled him out of Sunday's win.

But he had already stated his intention to return for the third round - and a return to the club where he earned legendary status in the late 80s is sure to see him doubly determined to be fit.

Pool's assistant manager Martin Scott is another with strong Wearside links. He spent seven happy years with the club before his playing days were curtailed by an ankle injury.

And while the occasion might not be the sort of derby game Sunderland are used to playing, Scott is certain it will be a day to remember.

"I'm delighted with the draw,'' said Scott. "That's from a personal point of view and from the club as well. I had good times there, it's a tremendous club to play for.

"They have great support and it is a huge club.''

Sunderland have attracted plenty of criticism this season, as they find goals hard to come by, but Scott said: "I think Mick McCarthy has done an absolutely tremendous job there in very difficult circumstances. They have a lot of top-drawer players and a lot of good young players.

"We know it's going to be a tough, tough game. Sunderland might not have been getting the results they wanted of late, but we know what's in store.

"They are a good, strong First Division club who will do well this season. We are a good Second Division club who are doing well.

"It's good for us and good for the North-East. I hope there will be a full house and I'm sure our fans will go there in numbers and it will be a cracking atmosphere.

Meanwhile, striker Marcus Richardson yesterday returned to Lincoln on loan, and admits he jumped at the chance of moving away from Victoria Park.

Richardson spent a successful loan period at Sincil Bank in September and October, but was recalled by Cooper for the win at Chesterfield on October 21.

He netted in that game, but has rarely featured since and admitted: "I'm absolutely chuffed to back at Lincoln.

"I never felt at ease when I went back to Hartlepool, and I think it's obvious I'm not the manager's cup of tea.

"I feared when I went back that I would play a few games, then be left on the sidelines again and that's what happened.

"As soon as I heard Lincoln were willing to have me back, I jumped at the chance. Hopefully, I can pick up where I left off.''

Pool have yet to rearrange a date for the game at Port Vale, which they were due to play on FA Cup round three day.

Read more about Hartlepool here.