ONE win - a single victory over a team at the bottom end of the table - might be no cause for celebration, but for Hartlepool United, the relief was immeasurable.

Lee Bullock netted the late winner against Danny Wilson's MK Dons and Pool go to Port Vale today desperate to make the most of last week's first home League One triumph of the season.

Vale Park and today's opponents have proved enjoyable opposition since Pool were promoted from the bottom rung of the League ladder in 2003.

They have completed the double both seasons, including a spectacular 5-2 win at Vale Park in 2004. Last season, Joel Porter netted the winner after just 63 seconds.

Pool's stuttering start to the season - they have four wins and five draws from 14 games - leaves them in unfamiliar territory in the bottom half of the table.

But Bullock, a second-half substitute last week, is sure a move up the table isn't far off.

"It was a massive relief last week - the whole changing room was delighted and the fans were delighted to get three points at home,'' he said.

"It had been a long time in coming and we all hope it will kick-start our season.

"We've had good wins before and haven't followed it up with another. We can't get carried away with just one win, we all know that, but we can take belief from it.

"We have to go to Port Vale, get three points, and start moving up the table.

"Last week we couldn't afford to lose. We were behind at the break and everyone was anxious, anxious to get three points.

"Credit to the lads, they didn't hide or not want the ball and got back into it to get the winner.

"Apart from the last five minutes, which were a bit nervous, we always looked like winning it in the second-half.''

Bullock's goal was his second of the season, his other a fine looping volley at Bournemouth in the second game.

He had plenty of time to steer the ball home last week, but admitted: "I had a few nerves when the cross came over for me. I was just relieved to put it away. To be fair, it was a great ball in from Darren (Craddock) and it was a relief.

"Crads did really well. He came back into the side, took his opportunity and impressed.

"It was only his second game of the season, but looked like he had been there all season.''

Jon Daly kept Bullock out of the side last week and, despite his scoring arrival seven days back, Martin Scott is likely to opt for Daly.

Bullock, who arrived at Victoria Park as an attacking midfielder, has made two starts up front, at Chesterfield and Scunthorpe.

"I was on the bench last week for most of the game. Dales (Jon Daly) was out injured during the week and I played at Scunthorpe during the week,'' he said.

"I accept I'm not a proper striker, but he was fit for last week and he did well, tiring the defenders out for the game - then I come on and caused problems.

"I played up front with Eifion at Scunthorpe and he did well - he ran his legs off and had chance after chance that night - and carried it on against MK Dons.''

With a missing list that shows no signs of easing thanks to a combination of injury and suspension, Pool's squad, despite it's size, is being stretched.

And Bullock and his team-mates can't wait for the time the club has a clean bill of health.

"The manager and staff and players know that little bit of luck can turn things for us,'' he said. "We got that last week with the own goal and the disallowed goal, so hopefully that can prove a turning point.

"We've got a lot of good players injured and hopefully we can get them back after Christmas and have a good, strong second half to the season.

"I don't mind playing there but the thing is that I'm not the fastest - as you can see. What I enjoy doing is bringing others into play and giving players an option.

"I do enjoy playing up there and will do whatever job I'm asked to do.''

Read more about Hartlepool here.