BEN Clark's previous taste of FA Cup action made a lasting impression.

Part of the Sunderland side that escaped the third round with a 1-0 victory over Hartlepool United last January, the big defender won't forget it in a hurry.

Games on Wearside were all too rare a commodity for the former England youth skipper.

But, after facing Pool and seeing what the League One club were all about, Clark had no qualms about swapping red and white for blue and white last month.

Clark will line up as part of the Pool side that starts their FA Cup campaign against Lincoln City at Victoria Park this afternoon.

And despite being one of the Black Cats' biggest fans, Clark knows the move down the A19 was the right one.

"It was a bit of a wrench for me to leave Sunderland,'' he said.

"I maybe stayed a little bit longer than I should have done, but I am a Sunderland supporter and I wanted to give myself the best chance I could there.

"I think I did myself proud when I was there, in the games I played, but the lack of opportunities in the first-team meant I had to move on.

"It was a bit disappointing to leave because I loved every minute of my time there.

"But I couldn't have asked for a better move, coming down the road to Hartlepool.''

And he admitted: "I played against Hartlepool in the FA Cup last season when there were 10,000 Hartlepool supporters there and that was a big factor in me coming here.

"The fans have been brilliant since I came to the club and there were something special that day as well.

"Martin Scott is here as well, which has helped. He was a good player, a good pro, during his time at Sunderland and it's nice to have someone at the club who I can relate to because I played with him at Sunderland.

"He's a good coach and him being here was a big influence in making a decision.

"It took a few weeks for the deal to go through and I can only thank for gaffer for being patient.

"I think it was delayed along the lines that everyone wanted to make sure they got the right deal - Sunderland, myself and Hartlepool - and I'm glad I came here.

"At this stage of my career I need to be playing regular first-team games and, like I say, playing regularly will help keep me improving.''

Pool have won the three games Clark has started for his new club, beating Port Vale, Carlisle and Doncaster in the space of seven days.

He is likely to be part of the midfield today, taking over from the suspended Mark Tinkler.

But last week's win also meant a touch of personal satisfaction, with former Sunderland compatriot Michael Ingham in goal for Rovers.

"It was nice to get one over on him last week,'' he added. "He's a good goalkeeper, but was a bit disappointed with how it turned out.

"I had a quick word with him as he was coming off the pitch and he said that Micky Barron should have been sent-off when they were one up, which might have made a difference.

"In the end Westy got booked, but there's no point in anyone crying about it. We got the win and I was delighted with it.

"He's a good goalkeeper and he did well again on Saturday - I think he's been on loan at every club in the league by now!

"He will do a good job for Doncaster and I know plenty about him from our times at Sunderland together.''

One of Clark's tasks this afternoon will be keeping Marcus Richardson in check.

The striker was part of Pool's 2003 promotion squad, before being farmed out first on loan and then permanently to Lincoln.

And the front man, Chris Turner's last signing as Pool's boss in November 2002, admitted: "I'm really looking forward to going back. I still keep in touch with a couple of the lads, Chris Westwood and Darrell Clarke.

"Hopefully, if I start, I will be able to prove a point to one or two people and show them what I can do.''

"I don't think I was given a fair chance or a long run in the side, but I don't hold anything against Neale.

"That happens in football all of the time, manager's like different players and don't like others, that's just the way it goes.

"I thought I could still do a job but it wasn't to be.

"I really did love my time up at Hartlepool. The fans were fantastic and I got on very well with them.

"They are very passionate about their football - even the women seem to know a lot about the game.

"I have a promotion medal from my time at Hartlepool and that is something I may go through the rest of my career without ever getting again.

"So at least I can say I won something in my time there and it will always have a place in my heart."

Read more about Hartlepool here.