ANTONY SWEENEY may not have been struck with the Hartlepool United injury curse this season, but feels his game has still been affected by the chopping and changing to the side.

But now, after playing an integral part in the club's recent revival, Sweeney believes he is starting to recapture the sort of form that made him one of League One's hottest properties last season - even if he doesn't know who will be partnering him.

The talented midfielder has played alongside four different partners already this term - Lee Bullock, Gavin Strachan, Mark Tinkler and Stephen Turnbull - which has caused havoc to his normal approach to matches.

However, after scoring his fourth of the season in the midweek defeat of Gillingham, Sweeney is more than happy with the way his latest partnership with Bullock started on Tuesday night.

Summer signing Bullock completed the scoring against the Gills and the pair are looking to continue that form for today's FA Cup first round tie with non-league Dagenham & Redbridge at Victoria Park.

"I got 14 goals last year and to get somewhere near that again would be nice. I was a bit slow out of the blocks this time around but things are looking up again now," said Sweeney.

"I can't put my finger on why I was a slow starter - or why the team was. But I have played with a few midfield partners and perhaps that was one of the main reasons.

"Mark Tinkler is a decent player to play alongside and to lose him through suspension (he serves the last game of his ban today) was a blow. But Bullock is also a good player and it has taken us more time to get used to each other's way of play as we both like to bomb on.

"When one of us goes the other has to sit and that is different to what I've been used to. It showed on Tuesday that the communication is getting better."

Manager Martin Scott was his tutor at Pool's youth level so he is better positioned than most to pass judgement on the player's potential.

Scott knows he has a real talent on his hands - and the fact a number of scouts from higher divisions monitored him last season suggests he is not the only one - but says there is still plenty room for improvement.

"He is learning all the time because he is still a young lad but he is showing again his ability to get forward," said Scott. "He still needs to do better in possession. His work-rate is tremendous. He now has four goals and he will be in double figures again.

"Antony has always ran his socks off for the team. He is nave in areas but every game he plays he is getting better."

Dagenham, who narrowly missed out on promotion to the Football League last season, sit mid-table in the Nationwide Conference, some 13 points behind leaders Grays Athletic.

And Pool, who overcame Aldershot from that league in the second round of the FA Cup last season by winning 5-1, are not going to be taking today's opponents lightly.

"After getting to the play-off final last season the expectations on us were massive this season," said Sweeney, knowing Pool are now just two points shy of a play-off spot. "The start to the new season did not go according to plan but we are all together now and the results are picking up again.

"A good cup run can keep us going in the league as well. It is always money for the clubs as well and it offers the chance to play against some top teams. But I think the supporters would admit the most important thing is the league.

"We did a job on Aldershot here last season and hopefully we can do the same again."

Scott agreed. "Dagenham have good players and are very sharp. We have had three tough games and Saturday comes at the right time for us. We can reflect on the week and they will be ready and focused for Saturday," he said.

* Pool could be without defender Neill Collins today. The defender's loan is due to expire in January and Sunderland are unlikely to want the player cup-tied.

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