DARRELL Clarke believes Hartlepool United's end-of-season experiences will stand them in good stead.

For the fifth season in a row Pool are chasing glory as the season comes to an end.

And, after three play-off campaigns and a promotion last season, Clarke is certain Pool have an advantage in the race for a top-six place.

Pool go to Wrexham today and Clarke, back in the side on the right wing and given a standing ovation when he was replaced in the closing stages in Saturday's win over Bournemouth, said: "It's been a great week for us. It was a good game and a good win.

"We've beaten two of our rivals so it's been excellent for us. Now we have to keep it going at Wrexham.

"Five games to go and we have it all to play for - it's five big games. I've been here three years now and every year we've had something to go for. I've had two play-offs and a promotion.

"Some of the lads have had five seasons of success and it's tremendous.

"We've been there before, but we aren't under any pressure this time - we weren't expected to be in this position were we?

"It's the opposite to what many people expected and if you asked fans what they thought would happen, the majority would have been happy finishing sixth bottom - instead we are sixth top. We've been in this position before and that can only help us.''

l Strachan will miss today's game after pulling a muscle in his back and on-loan Neil Danns will replace him in midfield. Eifion Williams could be back after missing out on Saturday with a dead leg.

"Danns looked lively when he came on, so he will get a chance. It's his last loan game on Monday, so we will see what happens there,'' said Cooper.

l Pool's youth team last night lifted the prestigous Dallas Cup in the USA, with a 4-1 win over the New Jersey Metro Stars.

They beat Tejanos in the semi-final on Saturday, with goals from David Foley and Neil Wilkinson, and hammered Club Dallas 7-1 in the quarter final.

Skipper John Brackstone put Pool's under-19 side in front from the spot when Phil Turnbull was fouled in the area. Pool keeper James Winter made five fine saves to keep the lead, but he was finally beaten before the break.

Striker Foley weaved his way into the box and curled home a great shot to put Pool back in front. Defender Wilkinson bagged a close range finish and Martin Robinson scored the fouth in injury time with an individual goal.

Coach Paul Stephenson said: "It has been a monumental effort. The whole competition are talking about Hartlepool United and our brand of football."