POINT-SAVER Andy Monkhouse was praised by his boss on Saturday – after being given a jolt.

The left winger has been a mainstay of the Hartlepool United side in recent years, but was dropped to the bench after a poor display last Tuesday at Preston.

However, introduced with ten minutes to go, he cracked in a 90th-minute leveller, leaving Cooper satisfied with his reaction.

“It was a strange atmosphere, which I understand, because it’s been a hard week,’’ said Cooper.

“The support was great and there was no negativity, they appreciate it’s a hard time right now.

“That’s the reaction I was after (from Andy Monkhouse ).

It’s not out of badness that those boys weren’t playing, I just felt that I had to change it.

“Andy’s played wide left, wide right and centre-forward for me, but I just felt he had to do better.

“I had no issues putting him on and I was delighted when he got his goal.

“He’s a good sub to come on and he made an impact.

“I spoke to him and explained that I wanted to change it. When we play a four in midfield Andy doesn’t get down the line enough, but he does well when he comes inside, especially from the right. But to come on and score like he did is pleasing for everyone.’’ After their Deepdale demolition on Tuesday, Cooper had his players in for training the next day to jolt them into action.

While disappointed with his side’s defending for the Shrews’ second goal, he added: “I think I got the reaction I wanted.

“We spoke a lot and had meetings and I thought it was much better.

“We’ve still got a lot of work to do defensively.

“You have got to learn how to defend when you’re attacking, so if it does break down then you’re in a position that you won’t get hurt.

“We were attacking and lost it and bang, the boy was straight through.

“I thought big Scotty was great and that’s what you want from your keeper when he saved at the end – that was superb.’’