HIGH-FLYING Hartlepool boss Chris Turner is keeping his players' feet firmly on the ground this afternoon.

Pool go to Feethams for the second Division Three derby clash of the season on the back of a run of 16 games without defeat.

If Pool avoid defeat this afternoon against their arch-rivals, they would equal a club record achieved by Gus McLean's 1968 outfit.

But Turner insisted: "The record means nothing to us. It would be nice, but there are more important things to think about.

"We have 12 games to go and we have a mini-league of 12 games with 36 points to play for. We need enough points to earn a promotion place - that's our aim.

"Myself and Colin (West) had a word with the players after Tuesday's game. This is a big game at an important stage of the season.

"Derby games are very, very difficult. No matter what division or competition it is in you know what to expect.''

Pool got the better of the Quakers in Division Three last season, triumphing 2-0 at Victoria Park before drawing 1-1 at Feethams on Easter Monday. Quakers, however, had the last laugh when they came out on top over two legs in the play-offs.

"We lost 1-0 in the play-offs at Feethams, but with a bit of luck we could have got something out of the game, and we were unbeaten against them in the league.

"But those results mean nothing now. We are confident and go there with nothing to fear - we will give it our best shot.''

Pool have drawn their last three games but Tuesday's comeback against Rochdale, when they were rescued by Anth Lormor's late header, indicated that they were putting their indifferent spell behind them.

And Turner admitted: "The second-half display was a lot better than it had been. The substitutions made a difference and we looked dangerous when we went forward.

"The supporters have been magnificent recently. We took over 2,000 to York and there will be the same at Darlington.

"We know what these games mean for the fans - there will be a great atmosphere. I've been saying all week that this is the sort of game every footballer should want to play in.

"Players shouldn't have to be motivated for it, the fact that it is a derby game should be enough for anyone.

"If players have any drive or ambition then they will want to play at the top level and this is the sort of games they would get every week up there.

"I've played in all sorts of derby games - Sunderland v Newcastle, Sheffield Wednesday v Sheffield United and Man United v Man City - and they are all special. But try telling any Hartlepool or Darlington fan that this game doesn't mean anything - it means more to them than anything.''

Last year's play-off game at Victoria Park was marred by crowd trouble and Turner added: "As a manager, you just hope that your players don't get caught up in side issues.

"We're looking for our supporters to create the right kind of atmosphere and image of the club, as they have done all season. We don't want to see any stupidity as it can affect what happens on the pitch.

"I'll be telling the players that self-discipline is paramount and the same goes for the fans. It's important, both on and off the pitch, for both clubs as the FA has warned both.''

l Pool defender Chris Westwood has called on Pool's 2,000 travelling fans to play their part this afternoon.

The South Terrace has been handed over to the visitors and Westwood said: "These games are so special for players and fans. They are a one-off and it boils down to whoever is up for it on the day.

"But having 2,000 fans behind us at Darlington it could be like a home game for us.'