Hartlepool looking upwards

Thursday, 24/11/2011

by John Mason, Shoot's Hartlepool blogger

Hartlepool beat Scunthorpe with relative ease thanks to the return from injury of both Antony Sweeney and Nolberto Solano.

To compile the misery on Scunthorpe it was the Pools' first victory at Glanford Park for 21 years.

Both returning players performed well in the win. A first half strike from Andy Monkhouse playing upfront was followed in by a great second half header from Sweeney. There were some great all round performances and the team will be looking to build on this against at home in their next match.

The return from injury for the pair came as a massive boost for the club, who recently stated in the week that they aren't going to delve into the loan market to bring anyone else in. Manager Mick Wadsworth clearly feeling that the side are able to manage with what they have and have enough strength in depth this season compared to last.

Pools form has picked up of late and has seen them secure 10th place in the table with a game in hand. With gaining better results, the club will be hoping that they can push on from last season's 16th place finish.

The new signings the manager has brought in – James Poole, Colin Nish and Nathan Luscombe – all look effective at this level and have been in the goals this season already.

Hartlepool's next few games against Yeovil, Preston and Brentford will see them push for more points to climb the League 1 table.

If Wadsworth's side can keep the consistency there and win their home games as well as continuing their excellent away record of just one defeat in nine then the momentum can only gather for a top half finish.

• 

• Have your say