ADAM Boyd last night revealed his determination to keep Hartlepool United riding high in the absence of Gordon Watson.

Since Watson broke a leg against Darlington on September 14, Boyd has netted two goals in as many games, including a late leveller to preserve Pool's unbeaten away run at Bury on Saturday.

And with Pool sitting pretty on top of Division Three, Hartlepool-born Boyd admits he knows it is up to him to deliver in Watson's absence.

"I'm so happy to be playing in the team, but I do feel sorry for Flash,'' he said. "I'm sure he will come back and still score 15 or 16 goals this season, but it's just up to me to make the most of my chance.

"And then when he is ready to come back I've got to make sure I've done enough to stay in the team.

"I'll probably be judged on how many goals I score while I'm in the team, so I've got to keep on scoring and showing people what I can do.

"I've got a lot of respect for Gordon after what he has come back from before and I've learnt a lot from him about finishing and preparation since he came here a year ago.

"He's come from the Premiership to the Third Division and he is still so hungry to do well.

"I really was gutted for him when he was injured because I know what playing means to him.

"I've scored two in two games now and could have had more because I've hit the bar as well.''

And now Boyd is determined to keep Pool in top spot when they entertain Rushden at Victoria Park on Saturday.

He added: "We've got a massive game with Rushden on Saturday. They've been struggling a bit away from home and we have to make the most of it.

"We beat them 5-1 last year - the same will do for me!

"We've had two good home wins last week and now got a good point at Bury and it's nice to be top. It was hard against Lincoln because of the way they play, but then we powered them later on and it was the same at Bury because we were the better team in the second-half.''

Watson is expected to be out of action for around two months, but Paul Smith could be back in contention early next month after undergoing knee surgery.

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