David Richards is one of the few survivors of our last trip to Hartlepool United back in February 2017. A disappointing 4-0 defeat left Crewe on the brink of a relegation scrap to stay in the EFL and Richards, who was an unused substitute on the night, says that a trip to Victoria Park is always difficult.
Richards, Owen Dale and Oli Finney were all subs on the night with Callum Ainley and Charlie Kirk coming on as second half substitutes.
Artell spent over an hour with his squad in the dressing room afterwards and he says it was a real turning point in our season and moving forward.
Richards told the club’s official website: “I’ve tried to forget about that one. I don’t think anyone needs reminding of it and we had to use it as a turning point. It was a good few years ago now but we managed to turn things around after that and thankfully moved away from trouble.
“It seems a long time ago now and we have to go there in high spirits and look to get through in the cup. They are a newly promoted side and will be full of confidence as well. They will give it a good go and we know it will be a test.
“They managed to win their opening game (1-0 against Crawley) so they will be full of confidence. It is up to us to try and get that first win to go with the point we got on Saturday and get through to the next round. We would like to build some momentum as soon as possible like everyone else.”