MARTIN Scott has escaped a touchline ban and is free to help plot Hartlepool United's push for the play-offs.

Pool assistant manager Scott was sent to the stands during the 3-2 defeat by Luton Town at Victoria Park on February 15.

Scott and Pool were incensed when Luton's second goal was allowed to stand after Chris Westwood went down with a hamstring strain and referee Mike Jones allowed Enoch Showumni to net.

Scott requested a personal hearing and, after travelling to meet the FA disciplinary committee at Huddersfield's Galpharm Stadium on Tuesday, the former Sunderland defender is free to continue on the sidelines for Pool's last three games, starting at Doncaster Rovers tomorrow.

The FA last night confirmed the case was not proved and Pool's hearing fee has been returned.

Pool travel to the Earth Stadium on the back of an Adam Boyd-inspired victory over Sheffield Wednesday seven days ago.

Boyd netted a hat-trick in the win over their play-off rivals and admits he is only just coming to terms with his first senior triple haul.

"It's just about sunk in now I have had time to think about it,'' he admitted.

"I have had two goals so many times but it was great to get three this time and get Sweens (Tony Sweeney) off my back.

"He got one earlier in the season, so every time I get two he has been saying to me 'yes, but it's no hat-trick'.

"I had only trained twice in the week before the game and both times it was in the pouring rain, which didn't make me feel much better.

"Mind I had no complaints on Friday night about playing in the rain after that result.

"It was very difficult conditions, especially for defenders and luckily our lads did not make as many mistakes as their lads."

* Defender Jack Ross, who is staying in Scotland and refusing to return to Victoria Park, has told Pool he wants the club to terminate his contract.

He said: "That would mean I could not play for anyone else until next season but I don't want to take money off the club when I am not playing.

"I would be quite happy to do that.

"I made a mistake in moving and I want to go back home. There is nothing sinister in it, I just want to move back up to Scotland.''

Ross signed a two-year deal last summer after agreeing a Bosman free from Clyde.

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