A SWIFT shot at redemption is exactly what Hartlepool United need tonight, according to Ritchie Humphreys.

Following Saturday's FA Cup humiliation at the hands of part-timers Tamworth at Victoria Park, Pool have another chance to lift their erratic home form.

With just two League One wins in front of their own fans this season - compared to five on the road - Pool lie mid-table in the division.

Tonight's opponents Colchester are sitting in the play-off zone on the back of a fine run. Saturday's FA Cup win at Shrewsbury was their seventh successive victory.

It's six games since the visitors lost away from Layer Road and they will include one-time Pool loan midfielder Neil Danns.

Pool have a doubt over defender Micky Nelson after he hobbled off during the FA Cup reverse. Neill Collins will return after the on-loan defender was denied permission by Sunderland to play last weekend.

"The next game can't come soon enough for us,'' said Humphreys. "We have to regroup, stick together and overcome Saturday's defeat.

"What we have done at various times this season after a bad result is rallied round, and it's vital we now get a couple of results this week.''

Pool meet Bournemouth at Victoria Park on Saturday and, with two games in five days, the double header is of huge importance to set Pool up before the festive period.

"We need to turn things around with some good performances in the League,'' added Humphreys. "Everyone knows we can play better than we did on Saturday, now we have to go and prove it.

"We had a lot of ball outside and around the box, but we couldn't break them down.

"They sat in and made it difficult to break them down. We got back into the game but couldn't get through.

"Our reaction to the defeat was exactly the same as the fans - we are all annoyed and frustrated. We all want to win, fans and players alike. They were upset with us and we as players had words with each other in the dressing room. I can assure you that we were as upset as them.''

* Crystal Palace will fight to keep Andrew Johnson at the club after the England striker was linked with a move to West Ham.

The Hammers are believed to be considering a bid for the 24-year-old when the transfer window reopens in January, but Palace assistant boss Neil McDonald confirmed the Eagles would do all they can to keep the frontman.

''It's important we keep hold of players like Andy Johnson,'' said McDonald.

''He's a fantastic player and there are bound to be stories linking him with other clubs. This will be the first of many because the transfer window is opening soon.''

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