DANNY WILSON is no stranger to a football derby so today, when he tastes his first Hartlepool United encounter with rivals Darlington, he knows exactly what to expect.

The fixture between two of North-East football's less glamorous professional clubs may not attract the numbers he has been used to in the past.

But he is not underestimating the rivalry between the two sets of supporters today and wants to ensure his first derby in charge of Pools ends favourably for the majority of supporters inside Victoria Park.

Wilson was manager of Bristol City for crunch meetings with rivals Rovers during four years at Ashton Gate. He also tasted what life was like to face Watford during his stint with Luton Town.

He tasted success in some and failure in others, results have never been consistent and that is something he is prepared for against Darlington.

But Wilson will, and has, prepared his Hartlepool squad for a gruelling encounter in which victory has been labelled as an absolute priority.

"The derbies I have been involved in have been pure football played with a lot of passion," said Wilson. "You have to be prepared to meet fire with fire and sometimes it is the bravest who will emerge from the situation. Those men who are brave enough to get on the ball will prevail.

"They won't need any motivation. We know what is expected physically. The fans will be up for it from both sides. We have to be more controlled in what we do. We have to channel our aggression in the right manner.

"At any level a derby game is important to whatever area you are from, whether it is Manchester, Sheffield or this derby. The people involved will feel exactly the same way, it is just that the communities are that little bit smaller.

"It's a massive game for us and we have to emulate the fans' passion. We are ready for it and we have to have fire in our bellies. They will be ready and we know that."

For the Yorkshireman, though, the duels between Sheffield's Wednesday and United have lasted longest in the memory.

Particularly one in 1993, an FA Cup Wembley semi-final between the two old foes when Wednesday, with Wilson in midfield, secured a place in the final against Arsenal with a 2-1 win.

"What do you mean it's difficult to remember how many derbies I have played in, I'm not that old? I have played in a number," said Wilson, who will turn 47 on New Year's Day.

"The most recent I can recall as a player was at Wembley in the FA Cup semi-final. That was fantastic. A comprehensive hammering and we won 2-1.

"We had ones at Hillsborough, Bramall Lane and there have been others at other clubs too. You know pride is at stake. There have been ups and downs. You have to be careful and you can't be over-confident.

"We will work damn hard to get a result. This is a very evenly matched contest and we have to be ready for it."

Of the 18 games since Wilson took over at Victoria Park, he has won seven, lost six and drawn five.

But prior to last week's controversial defeat at Chester, when Jon Daly was sent off after just 18 minutes, there were clear signs Hartlepool were heading in the right direction. They had lost just one of their previous seven fixtures.

Losing to Chester eight days ago means Wilson's men take just one point into the Darlington game from the last nine available.

But, to use a cliche, Wilson insists form will go out the window this afternoon.

"It means a great deal to the community," he said.

"We all want the three points. It's not just another three points because it comes with the added glory and rewards that you can give to your own fans. They have been very loyal so far.

"Both teams have been inconsistent.

"Performances have been OK but it's been the three points that have eluded us on too many occasions."

But Wilson does admit that developments across the A66 - with the search process continuing to find a new manager for Darlington - is likely to play a part in proceedings.

"You have to take advantage of it," said Wilson.

"They are very unsettled. They don't have a manager and Martin Gray will be doing his level best to get the job.

"That comes with results. We are not in the business of getting people jobs but that's more pressure for him and them.

"It's up to them how they handle it."