HARTLEPOOL United are seeking to stretch their unbeaten home run into a third year.

Pool play their last home game of 2003 this afternoon, when Barnsley visit Victoria Park.

And, if they avoid defeat, they will make it 28 league games without home defeat - a run which started in September 2002, remained intact throughout 2003 and is on course to stretch into 2004.

Pool go to Oldham on Sunday, before travelling to Sunderland on January 3. They are next at home in Division Two on January 10 when Peterborough visit.

Last Saturday, they drew 0-0 with a Colchester side reduced to ten men after just two minutes.

And some of Pool's lowest crowd of the season were quick to let their frustrations known as they couldn't break down the stubborn visitors.

Skipper Micky Barron admitted: "Saturday's match was difficult after they had a man sent-off but it wasn't just the sending-off that made it tough.

"Every game in this league is difficult. We are in a new league and we are learning what it's about.''

And he admitted sacrificing their principles was the last thing on their mind against Colchester.

Barron said: "Yes it was frustrating for the fans because they want to see balls getting played into the box and goals coming from all over, and, when they opposing team are a man down, to lump it into the box.

"But they have to realise that we are a team that passes the ball. We haven't got the players to be able to lump it into the box.

"We work every day on passing and moving so when it comes to a match day and the opposition get a man sent off, we aren't going to change it.

"But I don't think it is a case of having to send a message to the fans about their reaction, just put to down to one of those days.''

Today sees Pool take on a promotion hopeful for the third game in a row, after QPR and Colchester.

Barron admitted: "It will be another tough match for us on Boxing Day against Barnsley.

"They are a big club who like QPR have been in the Premiership and know what it's all about in this division and at higher levels. But we'll be ready for them, we've got to fancy anybody at home, they are a good team, but so are we."

Pool, meanwhile, have sent Danny Byrne back to Manchester United. The winger joined on loan last month, but had his time cut short after three ineffective displays.

"I've always said we were looking to bring in better than we already had in the squad, " said Cooper. "But to be honest, I don't think he was. It's always difficult coming into a team, but you need to show more than he did.

"We could have kept him till Boxing Day, but he wanted to go and spend Christmas with his family, so we've let him go back a little early."