Confident Pools don't fear anyone (From The Advertiser Series)

Confident Pools don't fear anyone

8:00am Friday 1st March 2013 in Sport By Nick Loughlin

FOLLOWING two days off after their exertions on Tuesday night, Hartlepool United's players are back in for training today, ahead of a trip to Doncaster.

Tomorrow's opponents went back to the top of League One after a win at Shrewsbury at the same time Pools were winning their third game in a row, in easing past Crewe 3-0.

Pools' form means they don't fear tomorrow's trip to South Yorkshire.

And head coach John Hughes has been impressed with the positive outlook of his players.

Attackers Charlie Wyke, James Poole and Jon Franks have all been on target of late and he said: "They listen and take things on board and two got goals on Tuesday and one was man of the match. Different class.

"Now we need the mindset to enjoy it, then come in and go again, give more. That's what your top boys do and anything is achievable with the right outlook.

"Jack (Baldwin) got about people, wins headers, up and down, won the header at the back post for the first goal.

"He's a massive future in the game and I don't think playing in midfield will do him any hard at all in his career, being there in the hurly burly midfield.

"I've seen him play centre-half and he had his best game there against Stevenage when he dictated the game from that position, but he's got a big future.

"Listen, it's immaterial, it's down to the players. All I've tried to do is give them a shape and a platform to play.

"Everyone of them has taken it on board and give it their best shot.''

And, while Pools have been positive on the front foot, they have also been defensively stout. Gone are the days of shipping four and five goals on a regular basis and Hughes said: "Scotty Flinders is the best goalkeeper in this division from what I've seen.

"Just working with him every day I can see he's changed from when I had him up in Scotland at Falkirk.

"He's a man now, he was just a boy back then. He has a real, strong mental mindset.

"We've got two centre-backs on the top of their game in Sam and Peter, while Aussie is a leader of men and is resolute and Evan can give you a wee bit of craft - long may all of that continue.''