IT'S taken around five months of football, but Hartlepool United have finally put to bed any mental scars from last season.

After being relegated in May, when the recent play-off and promotion successes at the club came to a sudden halt, Pools took their time to adapt to life in League Two.

Before going to Accrington Stanley last month, Pools were in the lower half of the table.

But they have since won five in a row to move to a play-off spot. Danny Wilson's side lie seventh ahead of Saturday's trip to Bury.

"I think the hangover of last season and relegation has gone now,'' said skipper Micky Barron.

"We've proved it in the last month, this run gives the fans something to cheer about and something to feel proud about and get right behind us as a team.

"Even though we didn't play that well in the second half the other night they stayed and clapped us off at the end. It's nice to get the supporters involved again and give them the excitement of looking forward to the next game with confidence.

"You've got to give up any thoughts of what has gone on and take it forward to this season. I think we have got to that point now.''

Pools last won five games in a row in April 2004, when they charged into the League One play-off spots.

And their defensive record - they have not conceded a goal in 412 minutes of football - is giving Barron a great sense of pride.

"It's five wins in a row now which is really pleasing - and, as a defender, we've had four clean sheets in a row as well, which is great for the back four,'' said Barron.

"We've done a lot of work on defending and it seems to be paying off at the moment.

"After Friday's game the gaffer came in the dressing room and the lads were a little bit disappointed, but he told us that it was the sort of result which, come the end of the season, we would realise what a good three points it was.

"Maybe earlier in the season is was a game we wouldn't have won - Micky Nelson said that in the dressing room. At the start of the season we might have lost or drawn, and not clung onto what we had.

"We are on a good roll now going into the Christmas games and it's about trying to keep it going.''

He added: "Since going to Accrington the other week we have never looked back. I think the rollicking we got at half-time from the manager made us realise we had to do more.

"In the second half that day we stepped it up and we have really carried it on as well. It's been a good turnaround.

"In the past we have gone on long runs when we haven't lost and if you want to do anything at any level of football you have to go on a long run, whether it's an unbeaten one or a winning one. If you can win four or five games off the belt, which is what we have done now, it really moves you up the league table - it's amazing how far you can go.

"Now we go into next week looking to make it six.''

Barron moved to Victoria Park in 1997 and has been part of club record runs of seven consecutive league wins (2002) and 21 unbeaten games (2001).

"I've been here before when we have gone long games without losing, it's great to be part of another one,'' he said. "Keeping clean sheets is an important part of it as well and something to take pride from as a defender. We've got two little runs going now which we want to carry on.

"Butts (Ian Butterworth) has been a great help to us, he's there every day after training for little extra sessions with us. We always do heading practice the day before a game and works with us all and he is very enthusiastic about it as well.

"He helps you to enjoy defending and that's exactly what we are doing right now.

"But you could see in the last couple of minutes the other night, when two players - I think it was Willie (Boland) and Lids (Gary Liddle) - threw themselves in front of a shot so we can't take all the credit as a back four, it's down to the rest of the team as well.

"When you see lads in front of us defending like that it shows how determined we are.

"You can see the difference in players as individuals as well. The likes of Ben Clark and Ritchie Humphreys are good players, but in the past they haven't been out and out defenders.

"Maybe they haven't had a strong, determined defensive side to their games, but that's certainly been coming out recently.

"It shows that they have that in their lockers and makes them even better players.''

* Bury face an FA hearing on Wednesday, after they fielded on-loan Stephen Turnbull in last week's win at Chester. It is believed Pools gave verbal permission for him to play, but clubs also need clearance in writing.

A Bury statement said: "Club secretary Jill Neville, manager Chris Casper and director Iain Mills will be attending a Challenge Cup sub-committee at which the charges of playing an unregistered player will be considered.

"There are approximately four options the Challenge Cup sub-committee have: to do nothing, to fine the club, to order a replay or to remove Bury Football Club from this season's FA Cup competition."

* Rochdale sacked manager Steve Parkin after Friday's defeat at Victoria Park. Dale are third bottom, with just five wins from 22 games.