GETTING fired up for a derby game shouldn't be a problem. But if Hartlepool United needed a slight gee-up it may have came at Bootham Crescent on Saturday.

Pool went down to a Lee Nogan goal in a game they should have had wrapped up before half-time.

They paid the price for failing to convert pressure and chances into goals and boss Chris Turner believes it could be just what they need for tomorrow's derby at Darlington.

Pool go to Feethams with a record of just three defeats in 15 games. That, however, counts for nothing against their fiercest rivals and Turner will pray his harsh words in the aftermath of this defeat will have the desired effect.

They didn't play badly, could have been three goals to the good inside three minutes, dominated the first half hour and came home with nothing.

Pool's other defeats in the run that has lifted them from the bottom to play-off contenders have been at the hands of second-placed Luton and third-placed Mansfield.

So it's credit to York that they got the better of Turner's side. The home team were strong at the back and quick to attack in numbers thanks to a three-man strike force featuring two former Darlington players in Peter Duffield and Lee Nogan and one who the Feethams faithful would love to see in Michael Proctor.

"We still go to Darlington full of confidence. But this might be the kick up the backside for Tuesday that some need to put in the performance that is required to win there," said Turner. "If we do that then it's six points from nine and that is what we have to be looking at.

"It's not a case of having to lift them for Tuesday. It's a big game, but we have had three away games in a row and it's always disappointing when you don't win one of them.

"I never thought this game would end up one-nil, both teams had enough chances. We had enough in the first half then hit the post in the second. It was a very entertaining game but it was disappointing to lose.

"We should have had it won before the break, but credit to them because they did better in the second half. Still we had chances and got the ball in the right areas.

"It was a very tight game, but even at one-nil I still fancied us to get something. How Mark Tinkler's shot hit the post and come back out sums the game up for us.''

Despite losing, Pool are still in tenth spot, five points behind Shrewsbury Town but with two games in hand on the club that signed Anth Lormor on loan last Friday and games in hand on every team in the play-off places.

And Turner had a reality check for those ready to knock Pool's play-off hopes after a defeat.

"People get carried away with results,'' he insisted. "We were getting promoted when we won at Bristol Rovers then it's all down when we lose at York - but it's not like that.

"We are not going to win every game, but there are a lot of games left. With a little bit of luck we could have avoided defeat. You are hoping that one drops for Adam Boyd to put away or James Coppinger carves open a chance, but this was not to be our day.''

It could have been Pool's day. It took 58 seconds for the first chance and by the time three minutes had elapsed, three openings had gone begging.

Adam Boyd sent in a dipping volley that Alan Fettis tipped over, Graeme Lee headed over and then Mark Tinkler followed suit.

York's best first-half opening came from a swift break that led to Nick Richardson blazing high over from 12 yards.

James Coppinger carved open a chance for Boyd but instead of netting his fifth goal in four games, he skied his six-yard shot over the bar.

Paul Smith had a subdued game out wide, but it was from his free kick that Lee had a shot blocked by Jon Parkin.

Parkin spent a two-month loan stint at Pool before returning to Barnsley last month and he played as if he was out to prove a point to Turner. He was strong at the back, giving Boyd little time on the ball and showing a real determination to make his mark.

During his Pool spell Turner wanted to try out Parkin as a striker, a role he has regularly filled for Barnsley and he wasn't up to it. At the back, however, he looked a different proposition - but Pool don't need any centre halves.

Proctor was always looking to play off and behind the Pool defence and he found space to shoot low at Antony Williams.

The keeper has had a few critics in recent weeks, but answered them in the best manner on Saturday, pulling off a late stunning double save to dent Proctor and Duffield.

Boyd played in James Coppinger and the wide man should have put Pool in front after he danced between a pair of home defenders and shot high into the Pool fans behind the goal.

The winner came on 67 minutes. Chris Westwood's clearance found Duffield, he played in Darren Edmondson and the wing-back pulled the ball back from the byline for Nogan to net.

"The lean, mean scoring machine'' screamed the over-enthusiastic tannoy announcer.

Darlington fans might care to disagree with his claim six goals in 49 games hardly endeared him to the fans and most were glad to see the back of him.

Mark Tinkler's low volley crashed off the inside of the post and across goal and out, then Pool knew it was one of those days.

The win should end any fears of York finishing bottom of the table. Halifax are now nine points behind Terry Dolan's side.

Pool trounced York 3-0 at Victoria Park in October and York proved a more resilient outfit on Saturday.

"We proved we are a better side than four months ago,'' said Dolan. "We've taken three points from a very useful side.''

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