TOMORROW'S game at Scunthorpe United can't come quickly enough for Hartlepool United.

Friday's 3-1 win over Huddersfield at Victoria Park made it five games without defeat under Paul Stephenson and took Pool to 17th in the League One table.

Confidence and belief is rocketing within Stephenson's squad and he said: "We want to stay unbeaten for as long as possible and we have the players to do that. It's a sign of a good team when the reserves are buzzing because that means you have players outside the first team desperate to play.

"Every game is important for us. We planned like mad for Scunthorpe, but it was called off. Then we planned for Huddersfield and came through that one well.

"Now it's Scunthorpe again. All we want to do is play and games can't come along quick enough.''

The win was Pool's second under Stephenson and they have conceded just two goals in that run.

But it was the passing game which impressed everyone as they dominated the second half against the promotion challengers.

Before Stephenson's arrival, Pool were ill at ease when looking to knock the ball forward and the caretaker boss said: "As a manager you have to play to the strengths of the squad. If they were all six foot three, it would be in the air.

"But we have good footballers at the club, good footballers with pedigree who can play football. Let's keep it on the floor.

"Some teams in this division are good in the air, but we are a mobile one.

"I want to see us playing football, that is my philosophy, my belief.''

Shots from distance by Michael Maidens and Joel Porter clinched the win and Stephenson's shooting drills on the training ground paid dividend.

Pool had only scored three in a League One game on two other occasions this season and Stephenson admitted: "I was delighted with the mentality of the players to have a dig. We built a platform with some good defensive performances, then tried to take it on and we've done that.

"The attitude to have a go was there, which was pleasing.

"I felt first-half they were unlucky not to go in front. Getting to half-time was important for us, so we could regroup.

"But, second half, we had the belief to get in there and have a go. We compressed play a lot better, moved the ball better and gave them less space to play in.

"When you have got good players in the squad, it makes it easier to play good football.

"I was delighted with the second-half performance because we had that bit of flair which we have missed this season. If you look at the game, the first goal was about our willingness to push on from the back.

"We have practiced with our full backs getting on and it worked on both sides."

The win was capped off with Joel Porter's return from injury. He hadn't played since the play-off final at Cardiff last May when he suffered a knee injury and he's had three operations since.

Within seconds of his arrival he linked up with Adam Boyd to create a scoring chance, before he rifled in from distance for his first goal since April 5, 2005.

"Joel is another great option to have,'' said Stephenson. "I always knew he was going to be involved and his arrival gave everyone a lift.

"I thought it was the right time for him. We were 2-1 up and we needed a lift, the crowd needed a lift - I thought it was right and he's got the quality to do that.

"He is a great player and what a good goal he got.''

Town boss Peter Jackson believes Pool are in a false position.

He said: "We were outrun and out-thought.

"On that showing Hartlepool will give a lot of other teams problems - and they can do us a favour by beating other teams at the top.''

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