MARTIN Scott is never afraid to give youngsters an opportunity and his approach paid off on Saturday.

But while Michael Maidens, David Foley and Steven Istead each make their mark and impressed at Bloomfield Road, it was one of Hartlepool United's elder statesman who provided a platform for the kids to shine.

Mark Tinkler hadn't kicked a ball this season until being given the nod at Blackpool.

Now recovered from a tendon problem, he was restored to his normal midfield role and provided the platform for his side to secure their second win of the season.

It's been a testing week for all at Victoria Park, the defeat to Yeovil seven days previous left everyone - players, management, staff and fans alike - shell-shocked.

But spirit shines through adversity and when it comes to camaradarie, Pool have it in spades.

Tinkler has been there and done it. Since joining Pool in November 2001 from Southend, he's become part of the fixtures and fittings at Victoria Park.

Restored to the heart of midfield, it didn't take long for a the trademark tackles and blocks to start and the extra protection afforded to the defence proved a big difference.

His presence also gave Antony Sweeney the freedom to play his normal game, safe in the knowledge that the marauding runs wouldn't leave his side exposed.

And it's no coincidence that, with the insurance policy in place, Sweeney headed Pool level on 85 minutes, before Istead's stoop to meet a Ritchie Humphreys corner as injury time loomed secured a second win away from Victoria Park.

Approaching 31 it's wrong to put Tinkler in the veteran category just yet, although the grey hair when compared to the youthful mullet of Maidens might add a few years.

But while Scott searches for the right mix to thrust his side into the top half of the table, there's no doubting Tinkler's influence.

"He did exactly what we wanted to do,'' admitted Scott. "That was use his experience in a young team.

"He got the ball and passed it, won tackles and headers and he is a massive plus point for us all.

"Defensive duties, defending free-kicks and corners, he gives us extra height and he was excellent.

"He tired in the last ten minutes, but we helped him through it and it shows what sort of character he is.

"Tinks helps Sweeney in there as well. He releases Sweens to get the best part of his game going, which is getting forward, box to box.

"And I'm really pleased for him as well - he's put a lot of work in for little reward. That will bring his confidence levels up.''

Precisely 12 months ago at Oldham, Pool fielded one of the youngest sides in the club's history.

The bench on Saturday was of similar ilk, but while Neale Cooper's selection was out of necessity, Scott's was by choice.

The likes of Ben Clark, Lee Bullock, Gavin Strachan and Chris Llewellyn didn't even travel at the weekend, as Scott's Siblings were handed their chance.

"The young players don't surprise me,'' admitted Scott. "A lot of them came through the ranks with me.

"The last two seasons they have won us a lot of points with late contributions and they worked it again for us.

"They have no fear and are willing to learn and really work hard. They certainly lifted us when we introduced Foley and Istead and I was really, really pleased with them - especially when Icy goes and gets the winner off his back or wherever!

"It's a big decision to play the youngsters, but I haven't got a problem with that.

"We've got injuries and there's key players who were not even in the squad on Saturday.

"I felt we needed a bit more youth in the side, a bit more legs and we were proved right in the end.

"That's no disrespect to any of the other lads, those who didn't travel will be just as pleased as the rest of us.

"It shows what a great spirit we have here.''

Blackpool might have won their two previous games, but they were neither a good side nor one full of confidence on this showing.

They tried to get the ball in behind the Pool defence, from open play or set-pieces, but with Neill Collins reaching the heights he achieved on his debut in the win at Doncaster four weeks previous, the back line wasn't giving anything away easily.

Collins should have given Pool a first-half lead, but he headed over the bar as he met a Humphreys corner.

Jon Daly had a couple of pot shots at keeper Les Pogliacomi and had a penalty shout knocked back after he was pushed as he rose to meet a Thomas Butler chip.

But, when Dimi Konstantopoulos gifted Blackpool the lead, it looked like it was going to be another disappointing day at Bloomfield Road.

The big Greek went to collect a long ball on the corner of his area, but didn't know wether to pick it up or smash it away.

In the end the ball bounced off his thigh and away towards Tommy Wright. The substitute had Konstantopoulos chasing back to his goal and deftly lobbed the keeper from an angle.

Scott took off Michael Proctor and Maidens and replaced them with Foley and Istead with the changes paying dividend.

Butler chipped towards the near post and Sweeney ran in unchecked to head the leveller.

With four minutes remaining, a point would have been welcomed, but Pool had the temerity to go on and win it.

Sweeney's shot was deflected over, Humphreys took the corner and Istead ducked in to connect and deflect it in at the far post.

Last season Pool's young players earned eight points with late goals, assists and penalty awards. On Saturday they started their mission to better that tally and, with Scott at the helm, there's every chance they will win even more this time around.

Result: Blackpool 1, Hartlepool United 2.

Read more about Hartlepool here.