SKIPPER Micky Barron insisted his Hartlepool United teammates would put Saturday's draw behind them as they home in on success, writes NICK LOUGHLIN.

Pool gave a below-par display as they were stifled by Halifax at Victoria Park, but Barron - who has led his side to a 21-game unbeaten stretch since coming back from injury last November - remained upbeat.

"We never really got going,'' he admitted. "We had a few chances but we were a bit sloppy at times.

"We were disappointed with their goal, but we had to get the ball down and we didn't do it. Their game plan was to come and get people behind the ball and they did it well.

"But then it is up to us to try and break them down. We had to get the ball put in the right areas and we got a couple of good balls in, but it wasn't enough.

"We used to go away with a plan like Halifax and try and play for a point, but we have come on a lot from that.''

Barron, who made his 150th League appearance on Saturday, added: "We should have more quality to break them down than we showed and it was frustrating. We've got Southend next and there's some good games coming up. It's very important to go there next week and not got beaten. The Chesterfield thing is hanging over us a bit because we don't know what is happening, but the gaffer said it's no use thinking about that all the time - we have to stop putting on performances like Saturday's.''

Barron is likely to be rested tonight as Pool entertain Norwegian tourists Brann Bergen at Victoria Park.

Pool beat the crack outfit 12 months ago and drew in Norway as part of the build up to the current season.

Graeme Lee and Paul Arnison should step up their return from injury, with Lee pencilled in to play 45 minutes. "Ithink the most important thing for Spike is to make sure he is ready for the first game of next season,'' boss Chris Turner said. "If he is fit this season then it is a bonus, but we have to be wary of rushing him back too soon.''

New defender Gordon Simms is likely to start his first game since his move from Wolves, but Turner won't be involving any of the players involved in Saturday's draw.

Brann should field Sunderland targets Thorstein Helstadt - last season's leading scorer in Norway - and Alex Valencia. Admission is £3 and £2.