HARTLEPOOL United assistant manager Colin West has told his players to start learning from their costly mistakes - kicking-off this afternoon against Southend.

Pool are back on home soil after the traumas of last week's trip to Cardiff, when they conceded two goals in injury time to turn a victory into an agonising 2-1 defeat.

And West admitted: "We went into the dressing room afterwards and we knew how much it was hurting the players. I know the fans were upset, but there was no one more upset than the lads in the dressing room.

"It's down to a lack of concentration in the last few minutes. These days every game goes beyond 90 minutes, even when substitutions are made the referee will add on an extra minute to make up for it.

"The equaliser was a very sloppy goal to concede. We didn't even get a touch from the kick-off, but it was all long ball and we didn't pick up the runners.

"It shouldn't be a case of the players thinking 'this game is won'. They have shown already this season that they can do it. We went to Blackpool and kept hold of the ball for four or five minutes at the end.

"We have given away eight points like that and we could easily have been sitting in sixth or seventh place. In seven minutes of football we have lost eight points - it's frightening.

"We need a positive response against Southend, but we always do get a good reaction from them - they are a good bunch of lads.''

And with their injured players fast returning from the sidelines - Anth Lormor could be on the bench this afternoon - West is hoping to take advantage of other sides' misfortunes in the coming weeks.

For the first time since the summer, West and Turner were able to oversee a full-scale practice match in training this week.

West added: "Hopefully, we are over the worst of our injuries. We are missing Thomas Tennebo and Graeme Lee for the season and the rest are all fit and available now.

"It's a great situation to be in and nice to be able to have options.

"Third Division clubs don't have the biggest squads around and injuries can take their toll.

"Other clubs might be about to go through a run of injuries like we have had and while they are down, hopefully we can be somewhere near full strength.''

Pool midfielder Mark Tinkler makes a quick return against his old Roots Hall teammates and West admitted: "He knows all about their team, their players and strengths and weaknesses.

"We know so much about them, but Mark can help us - I'm sure if it was the other way round then they would be doing the same.''

Tinkler joined Pool four weeks ago on a free transfer from The Shrimpers and Turner admitted: "It will be a big game for him, his first against his old club and especially with it being so soon after his move.

"Hell know everyone on the team.

"I'll be looking for him to continue to play like he did last week - I was impressed by the way he wins the ball and sprays it about.

"Him and Stevo are playing together well and it allows Tommy to go forward with more confidence knowing that those two are holding the space behind him.

"When we play other players who like to get forward, we're sometimes exposed to the counter attack, but having Mark in there gives us some extra insurance.'