MICHAEL DUCKWORTH is sure Hartlepool United can learn from their woeful season and return next time around a stronger side for it.

Pools were bottom of the Football League from October to March, before propelling themselves out of the bottom two with a four-game winning streak.

They managed to remain out of the relegation zone and, after flirting with the drop last season too, are out for improved fortunes next time around.

Duckworth, who scored a stunning goal for Pools as they came back from 3-0 down to draw 3-3 at Carlisle, admitted: "Something clicked and we went on a little run in March.

"That helped us out massively and it will be good to see next year what we are like.

"We are targeting Wycombe, there is no reason why we can't.

"They didn’t have a budget this year but have done well and hopefully we can see a similar upturn next year.’’

He added: "That game just summed our season up.

"It was frustrating in many ways because if we had played like we did in the second half in other games then we wouldn't be where we finished.

"Going in at half-time I couldn’t see that second half going the way it did.

"End of the season, after going in 3-0 I was thinking don't concede another and we'll take a 3-0.

"But the way we came out, we pressed them and changed it around a bit.’’

Duckworth motored forward and swopped passes with Marlon Harewood before rifling in an unstoppable shot from distance.

He said: "It was the best goal I have ever hit - no doubt! They don’t come round too often so it is nice when they do.

"It is my fourth of the season and I will take that this season.

"Mind, I'll have to practice a new celebration.

"I went off on my own and the other lads were celebrating with the fans, I thought I better join them!

"I wouldn’t say we ended the season on a high but it was important to get something, for the fans that had travelled.

"The fans are phenomenal and have been all season, when we have needed them to be, they have always been there.

"We are a well followed club, 2,500 away when there is nothing planned is fantastic.’’