DENNIS WISE believes Leeds United are ahead of schedule after wiping away the 15 point penalty handed to them by the Football League at the earliest possible stage.

But even the Leeds boss admitted that he was surprised how his side had made it five League One wins from five after somehow surviving a Hartlepool United onslaught at Elland Road.

Despite being indebted to two well finished goals from strikers Tresor Kandol and Jermaine Beckford, Wise realises that Pools' profligacy stopped them claiming at least a point.

Instead Leeds - still three points shy of climbing out of the relegation zone despite starting with a 100 per cent record - secured another win.

"I thought we'd have cleared the 15 points by ten games," said Wise, referring to the penalty given to them for falling into administration.

"We're ahead of schedule. The first aim is to get safe and we have to set targets.

"We know what we need to achieve. Deep down inside I know my feelings, we need to do a job and I might open my mouth about our ambitions then."

But Wise made no secret of his belief that his players under-performed against Pools, after watching their opponents miss a series of gilt-edged chances.

"I was not pleased with our performance and you could say our goal did lead a charmed life," said Wise.

"I had a chat with my players and I expect more, but a few of them deserve a few beers.

"There were players who got us out of trouble. Tresor Kandol and Jermaine Beckford obviously scored but Matt Heath and Casper Ankergren also made outstanding contributions.

"We are very fortunate to keep a clean sheet. Hartlepool played very well and caused us many problems. A couple of my players didn't play to the best of their ability.

"The onus has been on us with 15 points to go out and attack teams. It's a plus that we have already got to nought but I'm determined not to let us stop there."

Ankergren's first half save from Richard Barker, when the score was 1-0 to Leeds, was still the subject of much debate after the match.

The Dane got down quickly to gather when Barker's header bounced off the underside of the bar and towards the line. Barker celebrated as if it was a goal but it was not given.

"Casper's save was unbelievable," said Wise. "I couldn't see whether it did cross the line or not but the linesman is there to do a job. If it was a goal it was a goal but it wasn't given and it was a fantastic save."

Former Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd won't be attempting to take over at Leeds. Reports yesterday said discussions between the pair were at an advanced stage. However, Shepherd was recently asked about the matter, but refuted suggestions.