HARTLEPOOL United's promotion-chasers are making the most of their own mini-break this week.

Pool boss Neale Cooper, whose side has gone five games unbeaten through the festive period and thumped MK Dons 5-0 at Victoria Park on Monday, has given his players a couple of days off to recharge their batteries.

Boston are next at Victoria Park, in the third round of the FA Cup on Saturday.

And Cooper said: "The boys have had Tuesday and Wednesday off, then we will have them back in as normal on Thursday to prepare for the weekend.

"They have all worked extremely hard, they have been in training every day and never complained about it. They are that type of group.

"They get on with their job and get on with it professionally.

"They came in on Sunday after the Barnsley game to help them relax and prepare for Milton Keynes the next day.

"It's a big period for them all, but I know what they are like and they get on with it.

"I couldn't ask for any more from them over Christmas. We've had a couple of difficult away games and won our home games.''

Monday's win took Pool to fifth in the table.

Cooper is confident his side can deliver even more in 2005 and added: "A few of them have been playing with colds, but it hasn't affected them that much.

"Four or five of them have been feeling it and me as well, but it doesn't matter about me, it's the players who count.

"I thought Shuggy (Hugh Robertson) and Jack Ross showed on Monday that they were back to full fitness.

"They've both had injuries and a cold, but they really bombed on in the second-half and showed they are over their problems.

"The full-backs pushed on a lot more as the game went on. They were both excellent.

"Ben Clark came on and looked composed in the middle of the park and there is good competition for places.

"Tinkler took a knock and had a bit of a sore groin - he should be OK for Saturday - but Ben is comfortable on the ball and a bit similar to Tinks.

"I couldn't leave out one of the central defenders because they have been playing so well together, so it was a chance to bring Ben on. Joel (Porter) worked hard up front and he's felt unwell too.

"Boydy came off with a knock, but I don't think there will be any problem for the weekend.''

Saturday's opponents are on the fringe of the League Two play-off zone.

They drew 2-2 with Orient on Monday and Cooper said: "Boston is a massive game for us. We are winning and winning well at home, but we won't be complacent.

"We've had them watched a couple of times and will be well prepared. Anyone who comes to play us at home know they are in for a hard game.''

Boston will be without striker Daryl Clare, after he suffered a knee injury on Monday.

Read more about Hartlepool here.