Pools Told They Are Not Out Of Hot Water Quite Yet

A third win in a row on Saturday at Maidstone United pushed the Pools up to 16th place in the National League table.

Victory against bottom club Guiseley on Monday should mean it’s job done after a fantastic March for stand-in manager Matthew Bates.

The caretaker was “thrilled” with his team’s approach over the last four games which has seen them take 11 points from their past five matches.

But Bates doesn’t want his players over confident and thinking they have already done enough to win their battle against the drop.

“We are still on the brink,” he told the Hartlepool Mail following victory at the Gallagher Stadium on Good Friday.

“If we go and lose two and the teams below win, we are right back where we were.

“So, all we have to think about is going out to win games. We are still not looking up we just want to get away from the relegation.”

He added: “I want them to see how long they can stay unbeaten and I also want them to see how long they can keep their win-streak going.

“It is important that we manage things moving forward.”