IN-FORM Hartlepool United wingers Darrell Clarke and Paul Smith joined forces last night to sing the praises of Gordon Watson.

The former Premiership striker has netted eight goals since moving to Pool in September and is relishing the service from Smith and Clark.

Pool visit Swansea tonight aiming to make it four wins in four League games and with confidence soaring after Tuesday's 3-0 win over Halifax at Victoria Park.

And Clarke, who netted his first goal for Pool in last Saturday's FA Cup defeat at Swindon, admitted: "Gordon is first-class. He's played at the highest level and he is always looking for the ball.''

Smith, a recent signing after his release from Burnley, has made a swift impression at Pool.

But Watson's eye for goal has equally impressed Smith.

"It's great to be supplying him with crosses,'' he said. "He's been at the top and is still fit and strong. He's a quality player.

"Ritchie Humphreys is the same, he's been in the Premier League and now it's up to me to put crosses into the area for them.

"It's the same in training. He's full of tricks and his finishing is first-class, but everyone is buzzing, wanting the ball.

"When I first came here we were bottom of the League, but now we've moved up to mid-table and it looks better. We've been playing well and got a couple of good results.

"I'm settling down now, but I know there is more to come. I've been doing extra fitness sessions after training.

"We had a great win on Tuesday and that has set the standards.''

Clarke added: "Everyone is confident after the last few results. Although we lost at Swindon we know we played well and we can take confidence from that.

"Even when we were bottom we were playing some excellent football and we knew we were better than that, but the fans still looked at the table and saw we were bottom.''

Clarke suffered a stop-start to his Pool career after his summer move from Mansfield, suffering groin and back trouble. "I said all along that I needed a good run in the team and now I have had one I'm enjoying it,'' he said.

Swansea won at York in midweek and beat QPR 4-0 in the FA Cup last weekend and Pool boss Chris Turner warned: "The games have been coming thick and fast. Going to Swindon last weekend then having to travel to Swansea tomorrow takes it out of the players.

"They have just come off the back of two very good wins and they will be a severe test for us. But I have confidence in my players to go there and get something out of the game.''

Pool (from): Williams, Bass, Barron, Lee, Westwood, Clarke, Widdrington, Tinkler, Smith, Watson, Humphreys, Hollund, Lormor, Boyd, Arnison, Sharp, Robinson.

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