HARTLEPOOL United's home form is a mystery to skipper Micky Barron.

Since losing their 28-game unbeaten home run on Boxing Day, Pool have stuttered along at home, losing four times in eight games and winning just two.

Yet that is in stark contrast to their away form over the same period, with five wins and two draws achieved on the road.

Barron, who is expected to be restored to the starting line-up at Brighton tomorrow after three games out with a stomach complaint, admitted: "It's our home form which has let us down and you wouldn't expect people to be saying that after the way we have gone at home.

"Everyone expected us to go away from home and struggle, but instead it's been a complete turn around.

"I really don't know why it is. Last week Brentford scored very early on and it gave them some confidence and they held on.

"They put their heads in the way of balls and things never dropped kindly for us in the box, sometimes it goes like that.

"We've got a couple of good games coming up and the next few games will shape how our season goes.''

He added: "It was disappointing not to win the game last week, it would have been a nice touch after what has gone on in the last couple of weeks.

"But the season as a whole has been good in general and we can be proud of what we have achieved.''

Barron is in line to be restored at right back tomorrow, with Chris Westwood and Mark Tinkler forming a central defensive partnership.

Micky Nelson won't be on the bus as Pool set off for the south coast this morning.

He is out for up to a month after suffering a foot injury in last week's home defeat by Brentford. Nelson has damaged the ligaments on the sole of his foot.

Skipper Barron was among the Pool players and officials who formed a guard of honour at the funeral of former chairman Harold Hornsey yesterday.

He said: "We had one for Frankie Baggs a week before and we were only too pleased to do the same for Harold.

"We set the precedent last week and a lot of people said after the first time that it was a nice touch and very respectful.''

* Tomorrow's game is all-ticket and Pool fans must buy their ticket before noon today.

* Pool's youth team fly to America today to take part in the Dallas Cup. Pool took part in the invitation-only event last year and play three group-stage games on Sunday, Monday and Wednesday. Among the squad are John Brackstone and Jack Wilkinson, who have both featured in the first-team this season.

* Brighton boss Mark McGhee was yesterday awarded the Division Two manager of the month award after recording four wins, a draw and a defeat in March.

In Division Three the winner is Huddersfield manager Peter Jackson, with the Terriers now in the third automatic promotion place after taking 13 points from six fixtures.

Graham Turner of Hereford United collects the Nationwide Conference award following five consecutive wins.

Read more about Hartlepool here.