Hartlepool United have been hit with a £2,000 Football Association fine following an enquiry into last season's play-off encounter with Darlington.

The fiery first-leg at Victoria Park last May saw then Quakers' boss David Hodgson struck by a coin and striker Marco Gabbiadini punched by a Pool supporter as he left the pitch celebrating their 2-0 triumph.

And eight months after the encounter, the FA have found Pool guilty of failing to control their fans.

"The case has been resolved and Hartlepool United have been fined £2,000 and ordered to pay the adjusted costs of the hearing,'' confirmed an FA spokesman.

Pool were also warned over their future conduct.

Hodgson was hit by a coin thrown after his side took a two-goal lead and had to be restrained by stewards from remonstrating with fans on the Mill House Terrace.

After the game he likenened the 'hatred' between the rival supporters to that of Glasgow's Old Firm.

Quakers won the second-leg to progress to Wembley and both that game and this season's Division Three encounter at Victoria Park passed peacefully.

Pool have since installed a players' tunnel leading to the Victoria Park dressing rooms to prevent similar events and a club spokesman said: "Should any similar incidents happen, whether at home or away, the club will receive more severe punishment, including the possible deduction of points.

"We would appeal to all fans to help ensure there is no repetition.''

Meanwhile, Pool skipper Micky Barron is relishing the chance to pit his wits against Tony Cottee on Saturday.

The former Premiership hit-man, now Barnet's player-manager, sat out the game between the sides last month - and paid the price as he was sent packing after a 6-1 Victoria Park thumping.

Pool travel to Underhill on Saturday and Barron admitted: "We might have beaten them last time but now they will want to do it to us. They have had some good results since then and will have got their confidence back.

"Last time, Cottee wasn't too happy, but he will be fired up for this game.''

Pool have been allocated 1,200 South Stand seats at Underhill and admission is £12 (no concessions). Family stand tickets are available at £12 adults and £6 children.

Yesterday's reserve game with Notts County was postponed to protect the Victoria Park playing surface. Norwegian trialist Tommy Espedal was in line for a chance to impress Pool chief Chris Turner.

New signing Neil Aspin, signed on Tuesday after his release from Darlington, could have made his Pool bow in the game and will be on the bench on Saturday