IAIN Dowie last night heaped praise on Hartlepool United after his Crystal Palace side sneaked into the third round of the Carling Cup.

Pool went down 2-1 in extra time at Selhurst Park after enjoying the better of the game for long periods.

And Dowie, whose side have recorded just one Premiership point this season, admitted: "We scraped through the tie.

"Full credit to Hartlepool for the way they played. I know their keeper played very well, but we got through - it was job done, simple as that.''

Eifion Williams gave Pool a second-half lead before Dougie Freedman levelled and Pool conceded the vital goal, just five minutes before a penalty shoot-out.

And, with a trip to Milton Keynes Dons to come on Saturday, Pool chief Neale Cooper is hoping his side can build on the solid performance.

"Some of the football we played was excellent,'' he admitted. "Away from home in the last two games we have been poor but we worked really hard against a very lively team.

"I know Jim Provett did really well but we had a good few chances ourselves. I did not think Sweeney's chance had crossed the line but it was very close.

"Jim pulled off three or four top-class saves, but whenever there is a positive we look to improve the performance as well and his kicking could have been better. He gave the ball back to them a few times which put us under pressure.

"We looked at the game plan beforehand and we knew that if we sat back and defended they would destroy us.

"We worked hard and I thought we matched them and were unlucky that the second goal went in.

"They knew they were in a match. They are Premiership players but I saw them rubbing their hamstrings and pulling up with cramp.

"They were tired and aching and really got pushed all the way.

"It was a tremendous performance and I am very proud of the lads.''

* Kidderminster director of football Jan Molby has signed a contract which secures his Aggborough future until the end of the season.

Molby had returned for his second spell in charge at Harriers in October last year, following the departure of previous incumbent Ian Britton.

The Dane had been employed on a non-contract basis but chairman Colin Youngjohns felt it important to formalise the arrangement with assistant manager Gary Barnett having also agreed a similar deal.

* Wrexham's former Hartlepool goalkeeper Andy Dibble could be sidelined for at least three months after it was revealed that he needs an operation on damaged ligaments in his hand.

* Hull manager Peter Taylor could be without vice-captain Marc Joseph for up to three weeks after he damaged his hamstring in the 3-2 win at Peterborough.

The 27-year-old defender, who has made eight appearances for the Tigers so far this season, joins Nick Barmby and Damien Delaney on the sidelines.

Read more about Hartlepool here.