Murray gives Spartans his full respect

Pools last victory, and Murray’s only triumph since taking over in October came in the first round, when they eased by East Thurrock United at Victoria Park.

And, with the BBC TV cameras there this evening as the Evo-Stik Premier League side visit, Murray full understands what lies ahead.

Spartans are 19th in their table, but their knockout exploits this season have left them with nine games in hand on the leaders.

"It is natural that everybody wants an upset,’’ reflected Murray. "That is why the cameras were down at Warrington in the first round - it is what it is all about.

"A lot of people will be wanting an upset but it is our job to make sure that doesn't happen.

"We have watched the Warrington game back so that the players know what to expect from a live game.

"We prepped well for the last cup game and they will know what it is going to be about against a non-league side.

"Their league form has picked up and their home form has been good.’’

Murray with this evening be without Stuart Parnaby (knee), Jack Compton (knee), Tommy Miller (calf), Sam Collins (knee), Michael Duckworth (groin) and the cup-tied Scott Fenwick, Joe Ironside and Matty Dolan.

Miller has suffered a recurrence of a calf injury and will be out for another couple of weeks, but Compton this week returned to training.

Fenwick and Dolan have played in the competition already this season, while Sheffield United have not granted Ironside permission to be involved.

However, centre-half Matteo Lanzoni has been cleared by Cambridge to start, despite the Us facing Mansfield tomorrow.

He will start alongside Matthew Bates in central defence, up against Robbie Dale, the Spartans striker who has scored in the five previous rounds of the competition so far.

“We have a few cup tied but Matteo Lanzoni can be involved,’’ said Murray.

"But we are missing out Joe Ironside and Matty Dolan, Adam Campbell we are still awaiting confirmation from Newcastle.

"I will have to make a few changes but we should have enough firepower for sure.

"I thought the two centre halves did quite well last week, Matteo and Batesy.

"It is always difficult with a new partnership and Matteo will be doing some extra work after training to get his fitness levels up.

"I thought he did okay but there is more to come from him, for sure.

Spartans will be backed by around 1,200 fans this evening, and, with Pools’ supporters unhappy with the £20 ticket prices the visiting support won’t be far off the home level.

Murray and Spartans’ boss Tom Wade know each other and Murray and Pools have done their homework. Chief Scout Paul Baker, a former Spartans’ boss with Wade as his No2, has watched them three times.

Murray, during his time at Oldham as assistant boss, had striker Dan Maguire on trial last season.

And he added: "I know a fair bit about them, Dan Maguire and three front players that can cause problems plus Nathan Buddle at the back.

"I have done my homework and know what we can expect. We have been speaking to various people about them, including Scott [Fenwick].

"They will have done their homework on us, no doubt.

"I had Dan Maguire on trial at Oldham last season to have a good look at him. His goal scoring record was better last year than it is this year.

"But he does get between the centre halves and the full backs, he is fairly nippy and has a good finish on him.

"At the time he just wasn't right for Oldham but who knows in the future.

"I have spoken to the lads about how difficult the lads found the East Thurrock tie, when they hit the post early on.

"We gradually grew into the game but missed a few chances.

"We could have made it a much easier start for us and Blyth are better than that and it is a local derby.

"They really need to know what they have in store.’’

Pools: Flinders; Richards, Lanzoni, Bates, Austin; Walker, Woods, Featherstone; Franks, Harewood, Schmletz.

Spartans: Jeffries; Nicholson, Mullen, Buddle, Parker; Hawkins, Turnbull, Rivers, Maguire; Dale, Richardson