GAVIN Strachan revealed Hartlepool United were given warned about Brian Tinnion - but there was little they could do about it.

Strachan and Pool were beaten by Bristol City after Tinnion lashed the ball home from long range with the score level at 1-1.

And the midfielder, who signed a new, extended contract at Victoria Park last week, admitted coach Martin Scott gave his players an insight into the former Newcastle trainee.

Tinnion and Scott linked up on the left side for The Robins ten years ago yesterday when they played in the FA Cup against Liverpool at Anfield and Strachan said: "I'm gutted about the result to be honest. We did so well to come back into the game. We played well in first half and then worked hard to get back into it after we went one down.

"It was a great strike for the winner, he struck it really well and it flew past Jim. Scotty said if we gave him any time he could do that.

"But he is a quality player and it was a great strike from long range. He's got a good left foot and left-footed players stand out - they do look better then others. I wish I was left-footed now!''

Visiting boss Danny Wilson registered his sixth win on the trot but admitted the trip to Victoria Park was their toughest examination of the impressive string of results.

"I said before the game that this would be our sternest test of the run and it was,'' he said. "I always knew it was going to be difficult because Hartlepool's home form has been exceptional.

"It needed a special performance and I think we got it in the second half. It was tough in the first half but at half-time the plan was to step up a gear and win the game. There was a lot of space to play the game and we made the most of it.''

* Pool keeper Anthony Williams was a non-playing substitute for Stockport in their home defeat to Plymouth after moving to Edgeley Park on a month's loan. Earlier this season he spent a month at Swansea.

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