SCOTT PLOTS RETURN OF GLORY DAYS

HARTLEPOOL United goalkeeper Scott Loach has experienced the contrasting emotions that can be summoned by the FA Cup. The 29-year-old was part of the Watford squad that reached the semi-finals in 2007 before a Ronaldo and Rooney-inspired Manchester United ended their brave run. At the same time, however, Loach has also experienced the down side of the Cup as he sat on the Notts County bench when they were humbled by Salford City in the first round in 2015. Now Loach’s Hartlepool head to League Two Morecambe on Saturday as underdogs, but the former England Under 21 international is hoping to rekindle his cup love affair from a Non-League perspective. “I had a good run with Watford and got to the semi-finals before Manchester United beat us, there was a real buzz about that game,” Loach said. “But there is another side of the cup as I experienced at Notts County – that’s the beauty of the cup I suppose. Hopefully I can be back on the right side against Morecambe on Saturday.” Loach believes the game offers Pools a chance to show that, despite last season’s relegation into the National League, they can still match what Football League clubs have to offer. “There is no pressure on us because they are in a league above us so they are the favourites. “We have a bit of momentum going, we have only lost one game in 12 as it stands and we have to believe there is a good chance we can win. “It is a good test for all of us and we are determined to show that, although we are now in the National League, we can still match sides above us in the league.”