WHEN it comes to the shock factor, for Hartlepool United 2003 read Swansea City 2005.

Both were promoted from the bottom division and enjoyed a flying start to life in their new surroundings.

Pool began the season in some style, thumping Grimsby 8-1 in their seventh game of the campaign.

This season, Swansea have set the early pace and in their seventh game whacked Bristol City 7-1.

Today the teams meet at Victoria Park, with Pool, who have just enjoyed the two most successful seasons in their history, seeking their first home win at the fifth attempt this campaign.

Pool boss Martin Scott believes it's that surprise factor which is helping The Swans catch teams cold in League One.

"Of course we all want our first home League One win of the season,'' admitted Scott. "It's frustrating that we haven't won yet. We beat Darlington in the Carling Cup, which was important and a good victory.

"Swansea have come up with Scunthorpe and they are all in a similar position in that they have entered a new division on the back of a successful season last time.

"Success breeds success, the same thing has happened at this club. We were promoted and started in this division on a real high.

"Swansea, like us, came into the new division with something of a surprise factor about them.

"No-one knew what they were all about but now they are showing exactly what they can do.

"But we've done our homework and know all about them.''

Last week's win at Blackpool was Pool's second on the road and seven of their nine points have came away from home.

It's a stark contrast to last season, when Pool lost eight successive away games from August 16 to December 18 yet took until February 15 to lose for the first time in front of their own fans.

"We've a good away record this season but it's at home where we haven't won,'' added Scott.

"It's the complete opposite to what happened at the start of last season.

"Winning last week was a massive positive and now we know we have to pick results up at home.

"It's more difficult this season - one, we've lost the surprise factor which Swansea and Scunthorpe have this season, and two, teams have started to show us more respect.

"They are doing their homework. They are watching us at home and seeing what other teams have done - put men behind the ball.

"When teams do that we find it hard to break them down. Then it becomes frustrating for everyone, players and fans.

"Teams are coming to us with the aim of quietening us down but we have to be big enough and strong enough to break them down.

"It's up to us to take the game to them and take the initiative.''

Swansea have rattled in 23 goals this season, 11 outside of Wales.

"They are the in-form team,'' admitted Scott. "They've scored ten in two games and 23 in total this season. They've had two excellent results this week and will be coming to us high on confidence, that goes without saying.

"I watched them at Milton Keynes on Tuesday and they are a very well-organised team and it will be a tough game for us.

"But we won last week, have trained well this week and spirits are high.''

Scott last week fielded a young bench and his decision was rewarded when David Foley and Steven Istead were introduced with Pool trailing and they played a part in securing the 2-1 win at Blackpool.

A number of the club's more experienced players didn't make the 16-man squad and there's every chance that policy will continue.

Pool's former youth team coach has constantly advocated the merits of his junior professionals.

"They have never let me down and I am never frightened to play them,'' said Scott. "Of course they are still learning and are very raw but they play with no fear and are always willing to learn.

"None of them will let me or the fans down.

"During the summer we took a 26-man squad to Holland. The young professionals came and when they were given a chance to play they took it.

"Then the season started and their chances were limited and they found it tough. The first-year pros had to bide their time but now we are seeing them ready and coming through.

"They have found their feet very well. Now there is a second breed coming in, the likes of the Turnbulls and Foleys. They were part of the last intake I brought to the club before I became involved in the first team.

"Paul Stephenson has coached them through and coached them very well over the last few years and now we are seeing the benefits.''

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