Pools’ Progress Continues To Please Manager Bates

That’s just what the manager got after the goalless draw in East London underlined their recent improvement.

But he said if his players were a little bit better with the ball in certain areas they would have come away from the capital with all three points.

With tickets just £5 on Non-League Day, Bates’ team not only have to contend with an Orient side looking to go top but one boosted by the support of a sell-out crowd.

“We’re probably happy with a point – we’d have taken that before the game if we’re being honest,” Bates told Pools PlayerHD.

“But I just think if we had been better in possession we could have won the game, especially when they went down to ten men.

“It was an entertaining game with two teams going for a win, we kept trying to win it so I think it’s probably a fair point in the end.

“I thought defensively we were magnificent all day once again.

“We showed character, grit and determination. Without that we would have lost the the game.

“We have now lost just two out of the last 15 so it’s a good record.”