Good cup runs are sometimes a lifeline to clubs like us, as last season proved.
I can't see Pools getting into discussions on line ups. If it is all that amicable why didn't Blackburn keep the score respectable instead of trying (and succeeding} to murder us.
After all the expert analysts, forecasters and rumour mongers you have come across, Mr Accy I'm surprised you even listened to that until I remembered you were a gentleman and behaved accordingly.

The main thing proved by playing Blackburn twice in a couple of weeks is that pre-season friendlies really are useless as form guides.

No surprises that Blackburn reserves are much better than Pools reserves. It's more of a worry that Pools were outplayed to the extent that the two lads up front hardly got a kick.

I think our lads wanted a kick but were starved of service due to our overall possession being abysmal.
It is difficult to assess the front men in such circumstances. If we get an experienced midfielder who can create as well as take chances we will look a different team. I expected Taylor to step up but he seems overawed at the moment.

That was my point - no service

Great minds think alike.

thats the reason i wanted pools to play their strongest available side to attempt to get it ticking for the future. neither sides managers learnt much from the game and it certainly wasn,t a confidence booster for anyone in a pools shirt.