GAVIN Strachan is desperate to beat the big freeze tonight as Hartlepool United aim to put Saturday's reverse behind them.

After the home defeat by Bristol City the midfielder knows avoiding defeat at Port Vale is vital to Pool's play-off hopes.

Neale Cooper's side haven't conceded a goal in their last two away games in Division Two, at Oldham and Tranmere, and lie in ninth spot.

Vale, who Pool beat 2-0 at Victoria Park in August, are three points and two places in front. They thumped Grimsby 5-1 last time out and have dropped only nine points from a possible 39 at Vale Park.

Strachan, who could be without midfield partner Mark Tinkler tonight after the weekend goal-scorer limped off with a hamstring strain, admitted: "Saturday was a real sickener. They are among the biggest in the division and we more than matched them for a long time.

"I signed a new contract last week, which gave me a lift but then the result put a dampener on it.

"We've got a tough run of games right now, with three hard away games. It starts at Port Vale but we know we are good enough. We are good enough to match anyone in this division and we have proved it many times this season.

"There is so much to play for this season. I know the weather forecast is not looking good, but I hope the game is on because it gives us the chance to put on another good performance and get a win.''

Temperatures are expected to rise above freezing this morning in the Potteries and the area is expected to avoid the heavy snowfalls predicted for the North-East.

The pitch was covered yesterday lunchtime and Vale are confident the game will go ahead.

A Vale Park spokesman said: "We are as prepared as we can be. We didn't get a bad frost on Sunday night, but the forecast is for very cold temperatures overnight."

Read more about Hartlepool here.