NEALE Cooper feels Hartlepool United are getting back to last season's way of playing.

But he knows they will face a big test tomorrow night, when they go to League One leaders Luton and former boss Mike Newell.

Newell's unbeaten side have dropped just four points this season, while Pool's away form has been patchy, with big defeats at Swindon and Milton Keynes.

But Cooper feels last Saturday's win over Hull was more akin to the side which reached last season's play-offs and the Pool boss admitted: "Against Hull the work-rate was excellent, we played some great football at times and showed great spirit - that is what the Hartlepool of last season was all about.''

Cooper is taking a leaf out of Everton's book in a bid to stay in the top ten.

David Moyes' side has conceded just one goal away from home and Cooper admitted: "I think that if you can get around 18 clean sheets a season then you will be up there. That's why Everton are near the top of the Premiership at the moment.

"We stressed that to the boys last week and were pleased with the results.

"That is only our second clean sheet of the season and it is something we have to continue working on."

Meanwhile, Scottish Premier League side Hearts are the latest club to show interest in Pool's seven-goal striker Adam Boyd.

* Pool's young reserve team remain unbeaten after a 2-1 win at Wigan yesterday.

Goals from Michael Maidens and substitute Jack Wilkinson turned the game in Pool's favour against a team including Gary Walsh, Tony Dinning and Gareth Whalley.

Boss Martin Scott said: "We played really well and it was a really pleasing performance from our young lads against a very physical Wigan side.

"It is nice to maintain our unbeaten run in this League."

Read more about Hartlepool here.