SATURDAY sees the battle of two famous northern seaside towns on opposite sides of the country as Barrow take on Hartlepool United at the SO Legal Stadium.

The Bluebirds currently sit sixth in Sky Bet League Two, just four points from an automatic promotion spot, after a strong end to October, beating Grimsby Town and Crewe Alexandra at Holker Street, as well as sending Colchester United away from Barrow empty-handed in November.

Barrow will hope to consolidate their spot in the play-off places with victory against the north-east side, who sit 23rd in the league table, and one point from safety.

Hartllepool have endured a difficult start to their second season back in the EFL, and sacked then-manager Paul Hartley in September after a nine-game winless run.

Former Manchester City defender Keith Curle is currently in interim charge, and has managed one win and three defeats in his first four games, albeit while performing well against tough opposition.

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The club that launched the managerial career of the legendary Brian Clough comes to the SO Legal Stadium on the back of a victorious penalty display to advance to the Emirates FA Cup Second Round on Tuesday night.

An 89th-minute equaliser ensured Pools took the replay with Solihull Moors to extra time. 

Hartlepool tasted defeat once again last weekend away at high-flying Stevenage.

The two sides have faced each other 87 times dating back to 1922, with Barrow achieving 33 wins. 

The Bluebirds were victorious when Hartlepool last came to Holker Street, Dimitri Disseka Sea scoring the winning goal in the 72nd minute to give Barrow all three points in the thriller. 

With Barrow possessing the third-best home record in League Two, Pete Wild's men will surely be confident going up against a team struggling at the wrong end of the table.

Hartlepool, however, will be desperate to put together a run of form that sees them pull clear of the relegation zone.

Sam Foley remains a doubt and Sam McClelland and Robbie Gotts are both still sidelined, but fans will be glad to see that dangermen Ben Whitfield, Josh Gordon, and the in-form Billy Waters are expected to fit.