ANDY Monkhouse has always averaged a decent goal return for Hartlepool United.

After signing in 2006, the left winger has often been a source of goals for Pools from out wide.

His best return was the 11 he got in 2009/10. Yet this season he had to wait until last weekend for his first strike, a low shot to open the scoring in the win at Scunthorpe.

He will start up front again this afternoon against Yeovil.

"I played up front last season briefly and scored two at Exeter then Mick (Wadsworth) decided to put me back on the left and now I'm up front again,'' he said. "It's different for me, I'm used to running up and down the left and crossing, but I'm enjoying it.

"There's different angles to think about and I've not normally got a six foot five meathead behind me raking my Achilies. I seem to be more involved than on the wing, out there you can go 20 minutes without a touch and get frustrated.

"In the middle you see the ball a bit more. James Poole being there helps and I think if you ask him then he will enjoy playing up there with me.

"He had a few efforts last weekend, and I think he's enjoying it. We have proved in away games how well we can do - Notts County apart we have been impressive.

"I never thought I would be a striker and have Nobby Solano supplying me. He had a bit of a go at me here to be honest. I think he's a few levels ahead of the lads and when he plays the ball he thinks we should be there for him when we aren't - but I think it's down to him that we aren't!''

Monkhouse added: "I was on the bench earlier in the season and wasn't happy at all, but that's the manager's choice. Maybe looking back I needed it and I'm enjoying every minute of my game right now.

"We've just got to sort it at home to get there. As good as it is away from home, you want to put a show on and get a result for the fans at home.

"It's strange and these things happen. If we had won every game at home and our away record wasn't as it is then people would see it differently.

"But we aren't putting on performances at home, then the 5.000 fans at home aren't seeing us do the good things and not as many see us away.

"We need to get it resolved if we are to make the play-offs - the players, gaffer and fans all want it.''