CHRIS TURNER will be hoping for a festive repeat as he leads his Hartlepool United side into a tasty programme.

Pool entertain Scunthorpe this afternoon, before Leyton Orient arrive at Victoria Park and Pool go to Hull on New Year's Day.

Saturday's point at Luton means that since dropping to the bottom of the table on November 3, Pool have lost just once in their last seven outings, winning four and drawing two to lift them into the top half of Division Three.

Last year's festive programme saw Pool win five from five as part of their stunning 21-game unbeaten run and the season before Turner steered his team to four Christmas wins in as many games.

And despite a disappointing start to the season, another healthy return could see Turner home in on the play-off or promotion spot he craves for.

He said: "We've got plenty to look forward to - we've got the two home games against Scunthorpe and Leyton Orient.

"Luton and Bristol Rovers were two difficult away games for us, although obviously one was called off and we haven't been beaten here. There's no reason why we can't do well in the two home games.''

Turner is likely to stick with the same side that earned a point at Luton - and Darrell Clarke is now looking to add to his goal tally after his Kenilworth Road brace.

The midfielder arrived at Pool from Mansfield during the summer as an attacking midfielder, but before last weekend had just a single Pool goal to his name.

But as he comes to terms with his new role on the right wing, the £80,000 signing admitted: "I'm not known as a right-sided midfielder or a right-winger, so I'm adapting to the position.

"Sometimes you're in and out of the game, which is a bit disappointing, but against Luton I got plenty of the ball.

"To be honest, I was delighted with my performance on Saturday, although obviously a bit disappointed that we couldn't hold on.

"I didn't think we played well in the first half but we got the lucky break at the end to get the goal just before half-time.

"In the second half we played a lot better and were unfortunate not to hold on for the three points.

"The second goal was actually meant to be a cross.

"I could try and claim that I meant it, but you've got to be honestI think I've had a bit of bad luck before and could have had a few more goals but I had a little bit of luck on my side, so I'm well chuffed."

Scunthorpe welcome back Peter Beagrie after he missed their win over Plymouth last weekend.

l Gerry Francis has resigned as manager of Bristol Rovers.

Francis, who took charge at the Memorial Stadium in June, has left his post for what have been described as personal reasons.

Assistant boss Garry Thompson has been in charge for the last three weeks after Francis took compassionate leave.