MARK Robinson and James Coppinger go back a long way.

Best friends, they grew up together in Guisborough, lived nearby and used to play for the same Hartlepool United team.

But when then Pool boss Chris Turner opted against signing the forward on his release from Newcastle last summer, they were no longer teammates.

Coppinger signed for Exeter City, but was back at Victoria Park on Saturday - Robinson and Pool are top of the table, Coppinger and Exeter at the other end. But the visitors gave Pool plenty of scares before going down 2-1. And Robinson, couldn't be happier at getting one over Coppinger.

"It was £20 a goal, £10 a nutmeg, things like that - and he nearly got me as well,'' he said.

"I think there was only once when I was up to tackle him. We went in front and then, to be fair, they still came at us.

"It took a while, but we knew they hadn't scored a first-half goal for eight games and I suppose if they were going to score it would be late on.

"We had a few chances to score before we did, but we just had to be patient. Then the chances came and we looked OK. But they had chances after we scored and it could even have been 2-2 at the end to be honest.

"That would have been so harsh - especially after I had a hand in their goal. Copps went round me and then Spike brought him down.

"He had a good chance in the first half, on his left foot as well which is his weaker, and Taffy made a great save.

"I wind him up about his left foot and then he gets a chance like that. I was right behind it and thought it was going in.''

Coppinger's trickery caused problems all afternoon, although it was only a fleeting visit. "He drove up the night before from Exeter and stayed up here,'' he said. "They were training at Hurworth on Friday and he popped round. They were staying in Stockton and he asked me to go round on Friday night, but I said no.

"I've had a nightmare all week trying to arrange tickets for everyone. He's got the biggest family and it was like 'you only ring me when you want tickets!'"

"Last time we played Exeter I was left out and I was really disappointed about it. All my family had gone down to watch and I wasn't even playing, so it was nice to get one this time.

"I've never really played against him in a competitive game, certainly not a Football League game.

"I've played with him for the county and district, but never against him so it was a bit weird.

"He's always the first to ring me after games and ask how we've been doing.

"To be honest, he didn't want to leave here at the end of last season. It was a big wrench for him to move down to Exeter.

"He is enjoying it down there, but is always straight back home after a game.

"All the lads here said he is too good for that team, better than the Third Division.

"It's hard for him at the bottom of the league, but I don't think they'll go down.''

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