Defender Michael Nelson believes the home draw in the Carling Cup first round could help Hartlepool make a solid start to the season.Danny Wilson's side will play Scunthorpe at Victoria Park in the week commencing August 11.

It will be the second successive season that the two clubs have met at this stage of the competition. Pools won 2-1 at Glanford Park last season.

Nelson, 28, told the club's official website: "To have a home game at that early stage is good for us because all teams are looking to get off to a solid start.

"We know from last season that there will be plenty of travelling to be done and we could have some long journeys to contend with in the opening weeks, so to have a game at The Vic is a big bonus for us."

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