CHRIS Westwood and Neale Cooper are singing from the same Hartlepool United hymn sheet.

The pair, defender and manager alike, are desperately seeking a touch of good fortune to try to end their miserable run of away results.

Since winning at Huddersfield on August 16, Pool have lost five successive away games.

At home, it's a different tale as seven unbeaten games have kept Pool in the top half.

They have the chance to end their travel sickness at Peterborough this afternoon after the latest defeat, at Brentford on Tuesday, left the Pool players dejected.

Deon Burton's last-minute header sank Pool and Westwood admitted: "What do we have to do? Tuesday was a good performance, probably the best away from home of the season.

"Their keeper pulled off a good save with the score at 1-1 and it made the difference.

"Our luck has to change sometime, but we really can't get any closer than the other night.

"I really couldn't believe we lost at Brentford. All the lads were feeling down after the game because we know it was a game we shouldn't have lost.

"Last season away from home, everything went for us; this season nothing is going for us.

"It was a good performance and we had the game nailed.

"What we probably need is a lucky break, a goal in off someone's backside and that could turn things around.

"Once we get one win, or even a draw, then we can go from there. It's all about stopping this losing run.

"Peterborough will be tough - it will be the land of the giants down there because of the way they play the game.

"But we are a good team and let's not worry about our away record. Let's think about the positive things.''

Westwood returned to the Pool side on Tuesday, back alongside Micky Nelson after sitting on the bench for three games.

But his place is under threat today after the arrival of Ben Clark from Sunderland.

The former England under-19 skipper could be paired with Nelson to combat Peterborough's long-ball approach.

Westwood admitted: "I was back in the team the other night after a few games out and the result just takes the gloss off it all.

"I was pleased with my own game, me and Nelse settled in together.

"It was a little bit strange for me because I played a slightly different position.

"Normally I take the right side, but I covered the left side at Brentford, so it took some getting used to.''

Cooper took his side to Peterborough yesterday afternoon and is looking for a similar performance to Tuesday, while repeating Westwood's desire for his side to enjoy a touch of luck.

"Brentford was a massive blow for everyone - you could see the way the players were affected by their reactions at the end,'' he said.

"I know if we play like that on Saturday and in other games away from home we will win a lot more than we lose.

"We moved the ball around well and created chances. It's just a killer losing in the last minute like that.

"We silenced them for long periods and they are second top in the league.

"Away from home you need a wee bit of luck and we had it going our way last season, but not this.

"Their goalie flapped at a few things and balls are bouncing and falling away from our players. Last season they went in our path and that's the little bit of good fortune you need.''

Cooper, who started his Pool career in style with a thrilling 4-3 win at London Road on the opening day of last season, added: "It was a disappointing way to concede a late goal, maybe the lad should have been shown outside before he put the cross over.

"Again it wasn't a wonder strike which beat us and we will look at it, like we look at all the goals we concede, and see what we can learn from it and how we can do better.

"Westy got better as the game went on the other night and, away from home, we wanted a presence in midfield with Tinkler.

"Peterborough will be tough, but it's nice to get another body in with Ben Clark coming here.

"We know how they play the game and we will have to combat it.''

Pool will be without Martin Woods after the on-loan midfielder was recalled by Leeds.

He travelled with the Elland Road squad to Brighton yesterday, but is unlikely to be involved and United boss Kevin Blackwell said: "We had no choice but to recall Woodsy just so we can fill the bus and have cover in case we lose somebody before the game.''

* Nelson's agent yesterday announced the defender had submitted a transfer request, on the basis that he wasn't given a new, improved contract after impressing last season.

His deal runs until the summer of 2006 and Pool chairman Ken Hodcroft is unlikely to be sympathetic to his plea after coming in for criticism.

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