IT’S TAKEN a while for Hartlepool United to discover themselves this season; it’s taken Brad Walker and Rhys Oates even longer.

But with Sam Collins getting the best out of the duo on Saturday, and a few changes implemented for his sole came in caretaker command, perhaps things are ready to click.

New chief Dave Jones, appointed last week, watched from the stands as Pools took the game to Stevenage. His assistants, Alex Armstrong and Kevin Cooper, were alongside Collins in the dug-out.

All four can’t fail to have been impressed; equally the home supporters, who left the ground feeling they had been royally entertained, something that hasn’t happened for far too long – not just this season, but going back six years.

Collins last week promised changes to the way Pools would play. And while they did enjoy the majority of possession as has been the norm this season, this time they had a purpose to how they used it.

Always willing to pass the ball around, Pools were more positive with the ball. Gone was the sideways and backwards mantra as they looked to get forward more and pass the ball in behind the visiting defenders.

When Pools went to Stevenage earlier in the season they were thumped 6-1, were physically weaker than the opposition and were bullied. This time around it was Pools doing the bullying.

Stevenage were poor, but how often have Pools been just as poor as the opposition?

Scott Harrison was dominant at the back, winning towering header after towering header. He’s been much improved in recent weeks and kept his run of form going.

But it was the performances of two other of Pools’ younger players which proved the difference going forward. Like Harrison, Brad Walker and Rhys Oates have struggled at times both to get a game and to make the most of chances when given.

Walker, if Craig Hignett remained in charge, was in line to start this game anyway. With Collins in temporary control he was a guaranteed starter.

Oates has rarely been given a chance to play in his preferred central striking role. How he relished the opportunity on Saturday.

He was a constant nuisance for the visiting defenders, running beyond them, chasing them down, and always asking questions.

Behind him Walker was prompting Pools as he roamed around for fun. Pools’ midfield haven’t put many tackles in of late, Walker corrected that problem. He also used the ball well and floated into the area to net his first goal since scoring a late winner at Yeovil in September 2015.

His goal was set up by Oates, who burst past full-back Charlie Lee, and cut the ball back for Walker’s left-footed finish.

The less said about Oates’ penalty the better. Awarded for handball, it was struck low and firmly but too close to the keeper who saved.

The errant PA announcer who played the goal celebration music as Oates stepped up to take the spot kick, was soon able to play it at the right time.

Just 45 seconds had passed from the penalty save to Nicky Featherstone scoring his third goal of the season.

Today, Jones will get to work on the training ground. Collins has ensured that spirits will be high on the training ground.

“I always had a good feeling all week that we would win this,’’ reflected Collins, the club’s under-21 coach, after his third stint in caretaker command, or fourth if you include the stint when Ronnie Moore was away on family business in Spain.

“We have given players a chance and showed belief in them. Put your arm around them and show them they are, some are only young and there’s some really talented players here who I have spent a lot time with to get the best out of them.

“I always wanted them to be involved.

“I’ve changed as a person and a coach and I’ve learned to be patient with players and that’s what I’ve done with the two lads who started the game.

“As time went on in recent weeks and months I felt I was getting more out of them – and Brad more than Rhys. I thought he was outstanding.

“I’ve said that to them after the game and I thanked them on my own. I said it’s one game, one appearance and now they have to kick on and impress the new manager.

“I’ve had one game and won it so I’m pleased, but I’ve said all along it’s not about me, it’s about the team doing well. What the lads did, all of them, was really good.’’