BY the time Hartlepool United’s televised FA Cup tie comes around, Paul Murray hopes Hartlepool United are in a much-improved position to tackle the test.

Pools take on Blyth Spartans in the second round on Friday, December 5 in a tie televised by BBC Two.

With Pools bottom of League Two and the Spartans holding some giant-killing pedigree, the spotlight will be on the game.

Murray has been in charge of three games so far – an FA Cup win, a draw, a defeat – since taking charge at Victoria Park and tomorrow he takes his side to Southend seeking his first Football League victory.

He’s been satisfied by the small signs of progress in his early days and hopes that in the coming games and weeks and months, things will start to move forward positively.

“It was a fantastic win against East Thurrock, we would have liked to have won by more, but it was a tough game – it always was going to be,’’ he reflected on last weekend’s knockout competition progress.

“Blyth is a good North-East tie, they will bring a few supporters and it’s a chance for both to progress to round three.

“I’ve thought about round three a little as last year at Oldham we made it to Anfield, we made a bit of money and did the club proud, it was very good.

“It’s a nice distraction for now, but concentration is on the league and getting away from the bottom. If we can pick up some results between now and the Blyth game it will make for an exciting cup tie.

“We need points to move off the bottom.’’

Murray hasn’t been able to add to his squad this week, but will have Charlie Wyke and Scott Harrison back tomorrow after the loan pair weren’t able to play in the FA Cup last weekend.

Nicky Featherstone will start tomorrow, Tommy Miller remains a doubt with a calf strain and new striker Scott Fenwick is in contention for his first inclusion.

Murray said: “The new boys have done well. Nicky, I knew him anyway from his time at Walsall. When I was at Oldham I did all the analysis and he was always one who we had to stop.

“I knew what he would give us – he’s given two passes away in two games so far.

“Sidney (Schmeltz) has showed what he can do, he did a different role last week and did OK. There’s more to come from both of them.

“We are always looking for more players, for sure. We will see what happens.

“There is an age bracket we have been missing and by getting two players in we are starting to address it.

“If we get others in, which we are always trying to do, then we are making progress.’’

Pools go to Roots Hall to face a team managed by Phil Brown – former Darlington boss Dave Penney is his assistant – which was knocked out of the FA Cup at home last weekend by Chester.

Murray said: “It’s a long trip, but all of ours are aren’t they? It’s all about mindset. They will look at us and think about us coming all that way, feeling tired.

“But I see it if I was playing it would be 90 minutes of absolute graft. Give you all for 90 minutes. There’s no midweek game to come, give your all – and that’s the message to get across.

“Southend haven’t won at home for a few games, that’s a fact. We will be trying to add to that and get a result, we have to pick up points in the league.’’