DAVID DUKE is confident Town can repeat their FA Cup North East knockout.

The 23-year-old came off the bench during last season's 5-0 win over Gateshead but the wing-back is adamant that Hartlepool will prove to be altogether tougher opposition.

Duke missed the defeat at Blackpool through suspension but played for the reserves at Cambridge on Monday.

He is hungry for his place back but knows, if selected, that Town are on a hiding to nothing.

Duke said: "People will look at this tie on paper and say it should be a home win. But I also know there will be some muttering about 'banana skins' and the like."

While on Sunderland's books, Duke lived just 10 minutes from Hartlepool's ground and saw them in action several times.

Duke said: "They had a good season last year and lost out in the play-offs.

"They've struggled a bit this time but their last couple of results have been good.

"I know they had a great win against Hull the other week, and they're flying."

Although the Scotsman admits he is no expert on the current Hartlepool squad, a couple of names stick out.

He said: "Mark Tinkler is a good player.

"He started out at Leeds and is a good midfield competitor.

"We also know that Richie Humphreys is a handful having come up against him last season when we played Cambridge."

Duke believes a good cup run is beneficial rather than the 'distraction' that some in the game see it as.

He said: "It is important financially but also for the players in trying to put things right that have been going wrong.

"I am convinced that the last couple of games are just a blip.

"I know results count at the end of the day but we did well at Wycombe, competed well against Stoke and the lads admitted it had not been one of their better days against Blackpool.

"Hopefully, the Hartlepool match will give us the chance to get back into good habits again.

"A good win will then hopefully see us get back on track in the league games."