A PAT on the back for some, a shake of the hand for others and a salute to the travelling supporters - Mike Newell's work as Hartlepool United manager was almost over for the day.

And what a first game, first performance and first result for the new manager.

Come 4.47pm on Saturday and Newell, installed as Pool chief a little over 48 hours previous, was busy marking his first victory by congratulating his players.

Manager and players are still at the getting-to-know-you stage, but with performances like this Newell can look ahead to some fun and successful times in his first managerial post.

This display was as exciting and solid as Pool fans have seen in recent weeks as they played with the pace and style which has become their trademark over the last 12 months.

Since Chris Turner's departure, Pool have had three long and testing away trips. To come away from treks to Exeter, Southend and now Orient unbeaten with two wins and a draw bears testimony to the players and their determination to stay out in front.

Newell readily admits his job isn't about reshaping Pool's future; likewise the players have let it known there is no need. If the new boss can carry on the good work and build on what is already at Victoria Park then there should be no need to worry about the change of manager.

Eifion Williams netted twice to secure the win, both goals finished with ease and the second coming just two minutes after Orient cancelled out Pool's lead to earn win number six on the road this season.

"I cannot complain about that start,'' reflected Newell. "But to be honest I wasn't too happy at half-time. I know is sounds a bit stupid because we were winning, but I knew that we hadn't seen the Hartlepool team that was top of the league.

"One-nil up away from home and you should always be happy but I wasn't. Maybe the players were a bit apprehensive or nervous about a new manager coming in. It's a bit different for everyone.

"At half-time I just asked them to relax a little bit and give me what had got them there.

"The way we responded was really pleasing - it was a great ball through for the second goal and Eifion Williams is obviously a man in form.

"But like I said the other day, it is about keeping things ticking over. This team wouldn't be top of the table if they weren't doing something right.''

Newell joined in training with his new players on Friday - "I finished on the winning side then as well'' - and admitted: "The fans were very impressive and made some great noise for me.

"It was good to get this game out of the way, you are always a bag of nerves on your debut and the response from the fans was really pleasing.

"The fans have had a successful manager at the club, so it's nice to get support from them, but everyone at the club has been great.

"I've had experience with Tranmere reserves, so it's not as if it was all new to me. I've spent the last couple of days with the lads calling me boss and gaffer - and I'm looking over my shoulder wondering who they are talking to. It's strange, but I'm sure I'll get used to it.

"It's strange when you walk into a new club and the faces are all new. It was probably better that my first game was away from home, because there's not so much pressure.

"This job brings its own pressure at the top and that's what I want. I'm very fortunate to take over this club, but no doubt if we do slip up people will relate it to a change of manager.

"No matter where you are, whatever position you are in, the job brings its own problems and pressure.''

As a goalscorer himself, Newell could appreciate Williams' finishes. "He never looked like he was going to miss them,'' reflected the boss.

Williams charged down defender Ezomo Ipiekpen's clearance, trotted into the penalty area and had enough time to clinically lift the ball over keeper Barrett without worry.

His second caused an uproar at Barry Hearn's Matchroom Stadium. Never mind Snooker Loopy, this one had the home fans going loopy.

Graeme Lee powerfully won a header on half-way and as Chris Tate tumbled to the ground Brisbane Road looked to referee Clive Wilkes for a free-kick. It didn't come and a through ball from Humphreys straight into Williams' path was quickly turned into the net.

Home boss Paul Brush couldn't stop arguing with Wilkes and home fans spent the remainder of the game berating the official.

Orient fired over plenty of crosses throughout, the majority from left-winger John Martin.

Substitute Scott Canham met one with his head to level the scores from close range but Pool were soon back in the lead when Williams added his second.

Result: Leyton Orient 1 Hartlepool United 2.

Read more about Hartlepool here.