Keith disappointed at "horrible draw"

By Nathan Jackson
November 1 2004

Imps boss Keith Alexander has spoke of his disappointment of getting the worst possible draw in the FA 1st Round. The Imps were drew away at Hartlepool, arguably the best team in the country at home and it is also arguable this will be a harder test than the Birmingham game.

The Imps have been drawn to face higher league opposition in every round of every cup so far with a record of 1 win and 2 defeats but Hartlepool is arguably, more difficult than the Carling Cup game at Birmingham.

Hartlepool haven't lost at home so far this season, only lost a mere handful last season and went the home season undefeated in 2002/3 so to say this will be an extremely tough test for the Imps, would be an understatement.

Speaking to the Echo, Keith said, "I wanted to play the lowest non-league team at home - that would have been the ideal draw for me," said Alexander.

"But Hartlepool away couldn't be any harder for us - probably the worst draw we could have been given. But that's who we've got and we'll have to get on with it.

"They have an excellent home record this season, but we've been good on the road and there are always cup shocks."

Under Alexander, the Imps have played 3 games in the FA Cup and have only won 1 of them, ironincally, it was the only one of the 3 where we played a higher league opposition.

However, despite Keith's lack of optimism, defender Ben Futcher is pleased to have drawn Hartlepool.

"Personally, I prefer to be playing a side above us than a non-league team," he said. "As a player, there is a buzz about the FA Cup and it will be a nice little break from the league. We can go there with nothing to lose and maybe with slightly less pressure on us because there won't be three points at stake.

"We'd all like to get to the third round and draw a Premiership side. It was a great experience to play at Birmingham in the Carling Cup earlier this season, and it would be nice to get something similar."

It was confirmed this morning that the game will take place on Saturday 13th November with a 3pm kick off.