FIRST job in the bag and Hartlepool United are now allowed to turn their set to achieving their second task of the season.

Pool, despite Saturday's defeat to QPR, are on the edge of the play-off zone and take on Stockport at Victoria Park tonight.

While many predicted a season of struggle for the newly-promoted side, they have flourished in a new division.

Midfield mainstay Mark Tinkler admits back in August there was only one aim on the players' agenda - staying up - but now it's a case of dreaming what might come when the season ends in 11 games time on May 8.

Tinkler, with six goals to his name this season, admitted: "We are not the finished article by a long way and I think we have a long way to go before we can match the likes of QPR and Plymouth.

"We just wanted to secure our league status this season, win as many games as we could and finish as high as we could.

"But as the season has progressed we have got better and better and we are still up there challenging now with 11 games to go.

"The next couple of weeks are going to be crucial now. That was the worst result we have had at home in a long time and that just goes to show how far we have come.

"It is a lesson to be learned and we will just put it behind us and try to put it right on Tuesday.

"It is good to have a game straight after a defeat and we are hoping we can bounce straight back.

"We were in training on Sunday for a bit of a warm down and now we are ready to go again."

Since their 28-game unbeaten run was ended on Boxing Day, Neale Cooper's side have lost three times in six home games - to Bristol City, Barnsley and QPR - winning twice and drawing one.

And Tinkler admits: "We didn't do ourselves justice on Saturday. We can play better, but we were beaten by a very good team.

"I got whacked a few times but that's the way they play. They are a physical side and play good football too. Put those two elements together and you have one hell of a force.

"I must admit there were a few times I felt like turning round and smacking them but I didn't want to get sent off! Maybe a few years ago I might have done but I have calmed down a lot now. I think the more grey hairs I get the more mellow I become.''

Stockport will be without loan defender Dave Walton after he was yesterday recalled by Derby County.

Goalkeeper Anthony Williams, on loan at County from Pool, is not allowed to play as part of the loan agreement.

Tinkler said: "It is a shame that Taffy is not playing - it would have made it more interesting to try to put a couple past him.''

However, Stockport were last night claiming he is allowed to be named substitute goalkeeper.

* Pool officials will tonight hand over donations to three North-East charities as part of the FA Community Shield Fund - cheques will be presented to the Hartlepool Hospice, Butterwick Children's Hospice and the Great North Air Ambulance.