JIM Provett admits his Hartlepool United teammates were left dumbfounded last week, as the Pool keeper rounded on the critics.

The 2-0 win over Swindon put Pool into fifth spot in Division Two - days after they were labelled under-achievers following defeat at Plymouth.

And Provett, who outshone Swindon's England under-21 goalkeeper Rhys Evans on Saturday, revealed a banner headline which was critical of their performance on the south coast left the players bewildered.

He blasted: "Last week we were called under-achievers in one paper, which is a disgrace because it's the last thing we are. We have gone up to fifth in the table.

"It was a bad result and a bad performance at Plymouth, but we've come back well.

"All the lads took notice of it. It's disgraceful to be called like that after the season we have had - look where we are now.

"And look at the last four years, we've have three play-offs and a promotion. How can we be called under-achievers?

"OK, so we didn't win the league but we still went up. And we are fifth in the Second Division when everyone had tipped us to go down and struggle.

"Plenty of clubs would like to be where we are - look at Sheffield Wednesday, they are supposed to be a massive club and they are at the opposite end to us.''

In a tight division, the win keeps Pool at the top of a big pack of clubs separated by a couple of victories. Fifth-place Pool are on 31 points, six points behind are Tranmere, but they down in 18th place.

Pool go to Burton in the FA Cup on Sunday before the tough trip to table-toppers QPR the following week.

"Swindon was the first of four hard games coming up, that's why it was so important to win,'' added Provett. "We've got Colchester who are riding high this season, as well as QPR and Barnsley so it's going to be a tough run of games.

"This run could determine how well we are going to do this season. It's important to get a good return from those games.

"Swindon are a bigger club than us, they have been in the Premier League, so it was so much nicer to beat them.

"The second-half seemed to last forever, but to be fair to Jack he took his goal brilliantly to kill them off.

"When Jack chipped the ball in, it seemed to take an eternity for the ball to go in, but at the time it was what we needed. It was a great feeling.

"It's hard in those conditions, but I think it's harder with the wind behind you because it takes your kicks so far. They put us under pressure with corners and balls in the box, but everyone defended so well.''

Pool striker Adam Boyd netted twice for Boston on Saturday to secure a 2-2 draw with Kidderminster - the second a 25-yard lob.

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