TWO of the best defences in Division Two meet at Victoria Park this afternoon, with home boss Neale Cooper offering glowing praise for his back line.

Hartlepool United, with just six goals against them at home this season, meet Bristol City, who have conceded 20 in 26 games.

Pool's rearguard has been breached once in their last four games, in the FA Cup defeat at Sunderland, and Barnsley's Kevin Betsy was the last player to score against them in the League, some 291 minutes of Division Two action ago.

Goalkeeper Jim Provett signed a new deal to extend his Victoria Park career last week and Cooper admitted the performances of Provett and his defenders have been the rock on which Pool's success has been built.

"The understanding and relationship between the defenders and goalkeeper is a massive, massive plus for us,'' he said.

"Nelson, Westwood and Provett give us a solid central defensive platform. Their communication and understanding is very good.

"They all know how each other plays the game - it's so vital to us.

"I've come across a lot of goalkeepers and Jim has been a pleasure to work with. He's signed a new deal and become a father and I'm delighted for him.

"His hands are strong, his kicking is getting better and he is learning all the time.''

Provett's debut came at Sheffield Wednesday two games into the season and he hasn't missed a match since.

Anthony Williams, the goalkeeper he replaced as first-choice, has signed for Stockport on a month's loan and Cooper said of Provett: "When we gave him his chance there were no doubts at all - and I've said that many times before.

"It was a chance for him to show me what he can do on the big stage and he has never missed a game since.

"Now he just gets better and better. He is a major player for us and will be a big asset for the club in the years to come.''

Williams will be in the Stockport squad to face Plymouth today.

Cooper saw Gavin Strachan, Joel Porter and Dimitrios Konstantopoulos sign new deals at Victoria Park this week.

His latest signing, defender Scott Walker, is likely to be on the bench again and Cooper revealed the big Scot knows where he lies in the defensive pecking order.

"He's come in and fitted in with the squad really well,'' said Cooper. "He knows Westie and Nelson are there as first choice and he has to wait for a chance.

"Scott watched them last week at Tranmere, when they were both immense, and knows the situation. He's fitted in tremendously.

"I won't sign anyone who might be a disruptive influence or upset the applecart. I only want good lads and good pros at this club.''

Pool assistant boss Martin Scott enjoyed success as a Bristol City player and was afforded a rousing reception from the home fans when Pool drew at Ashton Gate in August.

He admitted: "I always had a great rapport with the supporters and the reception I got from them a few months back was fantastic.

"I had joined a First Division club from Rotherham, so City were a great stepping stone for me.

Former Newcastle man Brian Tinnion is an integral part of the City team and Scott admitted: "I played some of my best football at City with Brian in front of me on the left side. Both of us were naturally left-footed and we had a really good understanding. We were good mates too and lived close to each other. The gaffer and myself tipped City to be up there, and having seen them in the flesh three times already this season I have no reason to change my mind.''

* Carlisle boss Paul Simpson is keen on making Paul Arnison's temporary stay at Brunton Park into a permanent one and admitted: "I'm waiting for Hartlepool to get back. I've left a couple of messages but not had any call back.''

Read more about Hartlepool here.