JOEL Porter firmly believes his Hartlepool United team-mates can go into tomorrow's season end in a relaxed frame of mind - with all the pressure on title rivals Walsall.

Pools, in second spot on goal difference, meet Bristol Rovers at Victoria Park, while Walsall are at Swindon, who must win to make sure of promotion.

With plenty at stake going into the last game, Pools could get their hands on a first piece of silverware come 5pm tomorrow.

Alternatively, they could finish the campaign as runners-up for the second time in five seasons after missing out to Rushden in 2002/3.

And Porter, set for a start in the forward line in the absence of the suspended Richie Barker, can't wait for the chance.

"It's the Hartlepool way to make things interesting on the last day of the season isn't it?'' said the Aussie, who has returned to action in the last few weeks after knee problems.

"It was good to get promotion out of the way, that came a few weeks back, and now we just want to go on and make sure we win the title.

"We've had a few important last days of the season - both good and bad. Last year it wasn't good, we were relying on other results and we ended up being relegated.

"But in the past we've been to Swindon and Bournemouth and did what we had to do to make the play-offs. We've done it before and let's hope we can do it again.''

He added: "Of course it's out of our hands now, we are relying on Swindon to get something against Walsall, so hopefully they can do it.

"But let's make sure we get out job done at home. Walsall are under a lot of pressure, aren't they? Hopefully it will get to them on Saturday.

"It's no easy being top of the table and needing a result - everyone wants to beat you because you are number one.

"Swindon are a good team themselves and Walsall are away from home. It should be interesting.

"Everyone wants to be a hero on Saturday - it would be nice to do it myself, but no-one minds who it is, it could even be Dimi (Konstantopoulos).

"Each time we have lost - and we haven't done it many times - we have come back and that's the sign of a good team.''

Porter has not started a League Two since Pools drew with Darlington at Victoria Park on October 28. Knee surgery and rehabilitation kept him out for 27 games, and he's appeared as a substitute on five occasions.

"My last start was ages ago against Darlington at the Vic, it was a long time ago and it's been a tough time,'' he said.

"But it's been a while and this game, hopefully I'm selected, would be a great one to come back for.

"I was injured last season as well and came back towards the end of the season when there was a bit of pressure on us to stay in the division.

"This season it's a different type of pressure - I suppose it would be nice to come back from injury in different circumstances, but at least this is nice pressure.

"Promotion is wrapped up and now we have a cup final to play in.''

A start - and a goal - tomorrow would make his return complete and Porter admitted: "It's been a hard season for me personally. As a team we weren't getting the results at the start of the season and then I got injured - results started to pick up after I'd been injured, so I hope that doesn't mean anything!

"I've had a few sub appearances, but I've been feeling good. My knee is fine and there's been no reaction.''

Both Pools and Rochdale have been charged by the Football Association with failing to ensure that their players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion during last week's game at Spotland.

Both clubs have until May 17 to respond.

Pools winger Andy Monkhouse, one of three players sent off, has been charged with violent conduct by the FA following his dismissal. He has pleaded guilty and will have a personal hearing on May 16.

Bristol Rovers manager Paul Trollope was yesterday named League Two manager of the month for April.