IT might be a League One fixture, but as far as Hartlepool United manager Mick Wadsworth is concerned his men will be up against a big club this afternoon.

Hartlepool entertain Sheffield Wednesday at Victoria Park today.

There was a time in the not too distant memory when the main question before a match involving these two sides would be whether or not Hartlepool could pull off a cup upset against Premier League Wednesday.

While time has shown itself to be a great leveller in this particular instance, the stakes will be just as high come kick-off today.

Both sides are locked on 19 points with Hartlepool four places above their visitors on goal difference and occupying one of the four play-off places to boot.

Throw into the mix the fact no one has been able to beat Wadworth’s troops on League One duty and you have the added spice of whether or not they can keep their run going, or whether Sheffield Wednesday will be the first ones to upset the applecart.

Either way, an intriguing contest awaits and it’s one which Yorkshireman Wadsworth himself is relishing.

He said: “It will be tough, we know that. We had a poor record against them last season but things have changed now.

“We are better and we have to go in to these games with an absolute belief we will win.

“If last season’s results play on anyone’s mind then I hope it is in a positive sense.

“We let ourselves down on three occasions against them last year and that is something we need to correct.

“After all, we managed to beat Brighton, Southampton and Charlton last season but did not do it against Wednesday.

“If we are going to stay at the top the division then these are the games where we need to match the opposition and come out with a result. “

Wadsworth added: “We will have to be at our best on Saturday and if we are then we will have a fantastic chance of winning the game.

“However, this season we are a better team than a year ago and our mental strength has grown too, so this could be a more balanced affair than last season.

“It is a really exciting day – they have big support but we have a fantastic following so it really should be a great afternoon. I cannot wait, to be honest. Years ago the expected way of meeting Sheffield Wednesday would be via one of the cup competitions but, even though they are where we are in League One, this is still a big game.

“They are still are still a big club and you cannot change that.

“They have a great support, a big stadium, an experienced manager and a lot of resources at their disposal.

“To be playing a game like this is a great opportunity for us to give something back to the fans who backed us in their droves in signing up for the season ticket scheme in the summer.”

One aspect of Hartlepool’s form this season has been the Indian Summer enjoyed by recent signing Nolberto Solano.

The former Newcastle man may be in the twilight of his career, but is still capable of showing folk a trick or two, which Wadsworth can vouch for.

He added: “His skills on the pitch are there for all to see, but in training his presence is very much valued.

“He is very optimistic, he always has a smile on his face and he is never down about anything.

“Plus there is his natural ability and at times for our younger players it has been like a form of schooling to them.”