RYAN BIRD already has scored and won at Dagenham this campaign; now the Hartlepool United loanee is chasing yesterday and after a repeat.

Bird netted the winning goal on his debut for Pools on Saturday against Wimbledon and this evening they go to Dagenham desperate to make it back to back wins and possibly close the gap to safety to only three points.

That would be a massive physiological boost ahead of Saturday’s home game with Burton Albion. Boss Ronnie Moore said a minimum return of seven points is essential this week.

And Bird, who arrived on loan from Cambridge last week, is ready to help Moore hit his target.

"I spoke with Ronnie a few times and the move was going to happen the week before but it fell through no fault of mine or his,’’ said Bird.

"I also spoke to a few players who have played under him before and they said he is a great manager and go up there and do your business.

"As a striker you always need a run of games and if you have a few chances then you should always back yourself to do that every week.’’

He added: “I would love to score again on Tuesday night - I scored there for Cambridge earlier in the season when we beat them 3-2.

"Hopefully I can keep that run going of scoring at Dagenham.

"This is a huge week for us, if we can get another two wins it puts us right back up there.

"Six more points from Dagenham and Saturday would be a massive help for us.

"Dagenham is a different challenge, they like to get the ball on the floor and play a lot of football.

"I have seen them play a few times and sometimes they can be amazing. Other times it hasn't really gone for them, we just have to focus on us and get another three points.

"Saturday wasn't the best goal I have ever scored but it could be the most important.’’

Pools are without Michael Woods for the rest of the season, the midfielder needing surgery to repair a dislocated ankle and fractured fibula suffered at the weekend. He will be replaced tonight by Nicky Featherstone.

Bird said of his debut: "It was fantastic to get the three points and that is the always the main thing but to score is a real bonus.

"We didn't have too many chances in the game but we defended well and in the end I think we deserved the win.

"You have to keep working hard and I keep saying to [Connor] Smith, keep working your hardest and a chance will come.

"If you chase a ball then the defender will miss it, keep turning and going in behind.

"The goal came after our best passing move of the game and Compo said everytime he gets the ball he would whip it in, so get in the box.

"I did that and I shanked it a bit, if I'd hit it true it might not have gone in.

"I just had to get anything on it, at first I thought about heading it but then volleyed it.

"To score at the home end was brilliant and the feeling is amazing, the adrenalain is flowing through your blood. It is a great feeling.

"To get the winner on my debut can only help me, it is a dream debut, to play the whole game, score and win.’’