TWELVE months ago and Joel Porter's Hartlepool United career took off to a new level. Now the striker is desperate to take it on another notch by firing Pool into the Coca-Cola Championship.

Against Bristol City in last season's semi-final first-leg, Porter's second-half goal put Pool level at 1-1.

The goal meant Porter's status shot up. But ultimately, it meant little in terms of Pool's season as their hopes exploded in the final three minutes of the second leg at Ashton Gate.

Porter was crowned the club's player of the year in midweek.

Making an appearance after three games out with a thigh strain and renewing his partnership with Adam Boyd - 36 League One goals between them and only Bristol City's Leroy Lita and Steve Brooker have more as a partnership - could cap off a momentous season.

"You play football for these moments and games like the play-offs,'' he said. "Last year scoring against Bristol City in the first leg of the semi-final was, for me a huge thing and a real career highlight.

"It's great to have our season extended, but there has been no panic among any of the boys. It went down to the final day of the season which was a bit nervous, but it's what we deserved.

"It's happened to me two seasons in a row now, so I should come to expect it!"

Porter was crowned the club's player of the year at the midweek awards night. His 16 goals in all competitions saw him become a fans' favourite.

"Getting the award meant so much to me because it shows the supporters appreciate my game,'' said the Socceroo international.

"It took me time to adapt to the game over here, but I had a good pre-season and it went from there.

"A lot of credit goes to my team-mates and Boydy especially. We link up well together and he has been fantastic this year - he deserves the players' player of the year trophy.''

Porter has dislodged last season's leading scorer Eifion Williams as Boyd's first-choice partner this season and, despite the late emergence of Jon Daly, whose goal helped Pool secure a play-off spot at Bournemouth last Saturday, there seems little doubt that Porter, if fit, will start.

He said: "We have a good partnership and to be honest, it seems to come quite naturally.

"In training when we play practice games we normally end up on the opposite side.

"It's on of those natural things, we connect well with each other and know what little runs each is going to make.

"My injury has come along quite well and I hope it will stand up so I can be in contention for a place on Friday.''

Tonight's game is not all-ticket.