Compared to the same stage last season, Reds are better placed having scored more goals, conceded fewer, lost fewer games and have more points in the bag.

They go into the fixture in 6th spot with 36 points from 22 games. Sports are currently 10th, five points behind Reds, from 24 matches played.

The Derbyshire outfit have obtained more points on the road than they have at home winning at Shaw Lane, Buxton, Witton Albion, Farsley Celtic and Stalybridge Celtic to date.

This will be the fifth encounter between the sides with the previous four rather eventful to say the least. The ‘15-16 encounters saw Reds win 2-1 at the Don Amott Arena following a 2-2 draw in Cumbria. Last season, Dav Symington netted an eight minute hat-trick in the 4-1home win with Tyler Blake netting three as Sports won the return 4-0.
Lee Andrews will select from the same squad that edged out Stourbridge last week with Rob Wilson fit to resume.

• Tickets for the Hartlepool United FA Trophy tie will be on sale in the Social Club until 1430.

• Should Reds overcome Marine in the next round of the Integro League Cup, they will travel to play the winners of the Warrington Town/Lancaster City tie.