TOMMY Widdrington and Neil Maddison go back a long way. The North-East pair were recruited by Southampton - along with Alan Shearer - as teenagers and have remained close friends since.

The pair are likely to be locking horns in midfield in today's Division Three derby at Feethams - and Widdrington for one can't wait.

Pool are homing in on the Division Three title, 14 points in front of second place and 34 in front of today's opponents.

Last season at Victoria Park, Maddison lasted just 14 minutes before succumbing to injury, Widdrington missed the 1-1 draw at Feethams the following March and now, after getting the better of his mate earlier this season - and giving a man-of-the-match performance - he wants a repeat show.

Widdrington, who netted his first goal of the season last Saturday as Pool strolled to a 4-0 win over Swansea in front of watching Quakers' boss Mick Tait, said: "I noticed Neil got back in the team a couple of weeks ago and got a couple of great write-ups - especially in The Northern Echo - so it was nice for him.

"I spoke to him the week after the game and he was in against Wrexham as well so, touch wood, we'll be locking horns.

"We go back a hell of a long way, 15 years I've known him, so I'm pleased to see him back in. They have had some trouble behind the scenes, if you like, and he has been involved in it I think.

"But knowing Neil, he's a great professional and all he will want to do is do his best for Darlington. I'm desperate to do my best for Hartlepool - may the best team win.''

And he added: "When we beat them earlier this season, it was one of our most fluent performances of the season. It was 4-1 and I'm sure they won't want that to happen on their own turf.

"But we are on a great run and confidence is sky-high. Whoever is on the pitch or on the bench or in the stands, we know everyone is capable of doing a good job.''