HARTLEPOOL United last night put an end to a run of four away defeats by grinding out a goalless draw at Hull.

Pool had not picked up a point on their travels since winning at Blackpool on September 9, but never looked like adding to that miserable run last night.

Six months ago, Pool enjoyed one of the club's finest moments as a thumping 3-0 win at Hull secured a play-off berth.

Last night, in contstant rain and in front of an away following a tenth of the 1,000 plus fans who celebrated in May, they showed their battling spirit.

Last season's victory was about style and an all-action display - this was about determination and a solid defensive display with the trio of central defenders impregnable.

Gary Strodder, sent off at Boothferry Park in May, was a rock at the back alongside Chris Westwood and Steve Baker.

In a scrappy start, Pool's on-loan defender Baker flung himself into the path of a Theo Whitmore strike after Strodder cleared a dangerous John Eyre cross.

A Paul Stephenson corner was tipped out from under the bar by Paul Musselwhite and from the retake, the keeper - who spent pre-season on trial with Darlington - pushed out another effort, only for Tommy Miller to strike high over the bar on the turn from eight yards.

That was the signal for Pool to impose themselves on Brian Little's side and The Tigers were thankful to Musselwhite for keeping the scoreline blank.

Henderson raced way on the right after latching on to Arnison's pass and the keeper collected under pressure from the on-rushing Miller. Minutes later Kevin Henderson saw his 20-yard drive tipped round the post by the full-stretch keeper.

Despite their spell of territoral advantage, Pool were given a double scare on the stroke of half-time. Clint Marcelle finally managed to escape Baker's shackles and as he looked destined to score, Anthony Williams went down low to his right to keep him out.

From the resulting corner Jamaican international Ian Goodison powered a header against the bar and Baker hooked away the rebound.

Pool boss Turner was satisfied with the result. "It was a good point away from home," he said. "All the boys worked hard and we had to dig in at times to get a result."

Turner suffered some bad news with leading scorer Henderson hobbling off in the second half.

He will undergo a knee scan today to determine the extent, but is expected to miss Saturday's home clash with Leyton Orient