ON TUESDAY, Hartlepool United stifled any thoughts Bristol Rovers had about celebrating the appointement of their new boss Dave Penney.

This afternoon they are out to do the same again, this time at Peterborough, where Darren Ferguson takes charge of the club for the second time.

The midweek point at the Memorial Stadium ended Pools’ run of three successive losses and was their ninth clean sheet of the season – they have only conceded nine times on the road in 13 games.

Sam Collins will be given every chance to prove his fitness and return this afternoon.

And, in the opposite dug out, Mick Wadsworth will be bidding to outwit Ferguson.

“It’s that new-manager syndrome and we’ll have to deal with that,’’ said the Pools chief.

“They’ve got some very good players but we had a great result against them at home and that set us off on a good run.

“For Darren it’s like putting an old pair of slippers back on, going back to a club he knows, and it will be comfortable for him.

“He’ll know most of the players, he probably brought most of them to the club, but our away record speaks for itself and confidence is high.’’ Pools have not scored in League One since the New Year’s Day win over Oldham, but it’s not a statistic which causes concern for Wadsworth.

“I think we are capable of scoring goals and we will score goals,’’ he insisted.

“You’re going to have spells where they dry up, there’s no doubt about that, just ask Chelsea.

“It’s not a worry for me, though, I’m aware of it and if we keep playing like we did at Bristol Rovers on Tuesday then we will score.

“The good thing is we’ve got more than one player who has got a goal in them. That’s quite comforting that we’re not relying on one player.”

Pools have won both 5-3 and 4-3 on recent visits to London Road, but today Ferguson is expecting a tight encounter.

Posh have not kept a clean sheet since October 3 and only have three to their name this season.

“Hartlepool’s record suggests they are very hard to break down, but they also have some very good players,’’ said Ferguson, sacked by Preston earlier in the season.

“I have three reports on them and all of them point to a difficult match. They often play 4-5-1 and they are not afraid to defend deep into their own area, so we will have to be patient.

“I can see us having lots of possession, but we must make sure we use the ball well. We don’t want to start hoofing the ball forward as that’s not the way I play.’’ Pools’ stand-in captain Neil Austin admitted he and his teammates were more than satisfied with Tuesday’s outcome.

The point kept Pools on the edge of the play-off zone and, after seeing off today’s opponents comfortably at Victoria Park back in October, confidence is high.

The right-back said: “Before the game on Tuesday we all said a clean sheet was the most important thing for us.

That was our aim and it’s pleasing to get back to that.

“It was crucial we got back on the bus with a clean sheet and something positive.

“We’ve put an awful lot of hard work in on the training ground under Mick. The strikers go away and work as a unit, the midfield and the defence too. It’s working well for us.

“There’s been a big improvement in the amount of goals we have conceded, especially away from home.’’ “I’ve got a couple of goals so far, I’ve had a few close shaves, but the most I’ve had before in a season is three, so that’s my aim.

“But part of our game is getting the full-backs forward and on the other side Evan (Horwood) does the same.

Sometimes we have to remind him of his defensive duties, but going forward he’s a threat. We’ve a settled back four and you know what to expect from us as a unit.’’

ADMISSION PRICES SLASHED

POOLS have reduced prices for their remaining home games, by introducing a couple of new ticket packages to try to improve attendances at Victoria Park, with adults prices down to as little as £12.

Supporters can see any three of the last six League One Saturday home games on a for £45 – or £15 per game.

This offer mirrors a similar one introduced by Pools at the end of last season.

The following games apply: v Colchester United February 5; v MK Dons, February 19; v Brentford, March 5; v Plymouth Argyle, March 12; v Yeovil Town, April 9; v Bournemouth, April 30 And with seven games to be played at Victoria Park on either a Tuesday or Friday, the club is keen to improve midweek crowds at Victoria Park.

Supporters can pick any five of those matches for £12 per match for an adult and £15 for an adult and Under 16.

Five from seven includes: v Notts County, January 25; v Charlton Athletic, February 15; v Southampton, February 22; v Huddersfield Town, March 1; v Leyton Orient, March 15; v Rochdale, March 25; v Tranmere Rovers, April 22; Seating: Adult & Under 16 - £85; Adult - £70; Concession (Under 19, OAP) - £40; Terrace: Adult & Under 16 - £75; Adult - £60; Concession (Under 19, OAP) - £35