CONTINUITY is the key for Dimi Konstantopoulos.

The big Hartlepool United goalkeeper kept a clean sheet in midweek - only Pool's second of the season - and knows a strong defensive display is vital today.

Pool go to Ashton Gate to take on rejuvenated Bristol City, who have won back-to-back games since Gary Johnson was appointed boss eight days ago.

And Konstantopoulos believes playing behind a settled rearguard is important.

Darren Williams, Neill Collins, Micky Nelson and Ritchie Humphreys are have played the last five games together, giving the keeper a clearer understanding of what is going on in front of him.

"We kept a clean sheet on Tuesday, which was pleasing because we haven't kept that many this season,'' he said.

"That gives us something to build on and now we have to go to Bristol City and do that. Hopefully we can.

"It helps that we play the same back four. It helps when you play together regularly in training and in games.

"Over the last few years, Micky Nelson and Chris Westwood played together in the middle every single week and you could tell.

"Now it's looking better because we are settling down well and getting to know each other - it's looking good from a defensive point of view.''

Pool have yet to record a victory at Victoria Park in six attempts this season, while away wins have come at Blackpool and Doncaster.

Martin Scott's squad has been ravaged by injury and he has put his faith in the youngsters in his squad.

"Against Rotherham they tried to hit us on the counter attack,'' he said. "The conditions were not the best - the wind was difficult in the first half.

"Considering how many injuries we have we did quite well and you can see we are getting it together. Hopefully that game will be our turning point.

"We haven't had the breaks this season and you need them at times to help you win games.

"If we get people in the right places at the right times, things will come together for us.

"I am certain we can turn things around and we will start to move up the table .

"It's a massive blow for us at the moment. We have so many strikers at the club and 90 per cent of them are not available.

"But if we can keep going until all the lads come back I know we will be alright.

"Bristol have not had a good start to the season. They have a new manager and have won a couple of games this week, but we go there with confidence from Tuesday and our aim is to keep a clean sheet.

"The away form has been a positive thing for us this season, it has helped us. I think we are a bit more relaxed away from home and it shows at times.

"We haven't won at home and it can play on your mind a bit, especially the longer it goes on.

"But everyone in the team is confident things will improve, we know we are good enough to be higher up the table.

"I don't think we played against Rotherham like a team lacking confidence.

"We have a lot of young lads in the squad right now because we have a lot of injuries and it's a big test for them, there is a lot of responsibility.

"But I think they have done well and can see what we are trying to do.

"I can understand the view of the fans, they want and expect us to be a lot better than we are. They were patient the other night.''

Scott, a former Bristol City defender, added: "The positive thing for me the other night was the clean sheet.

"Things are difficult at home at the moment and the game came after a defeat at Chesterfield.

"They worked their socks off and didn't concede.

"I totally understand the frustrations of the fans. I'm not enjoying the results now - I'm a winner and the players are all winners, their results in recent seasons show it.

"We are willing to work hard and grind out results.

"We've a lot of injuries but that's not taking anything away from the players who have been given a chance.''

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