DAVE Jones feels his young Hartlepool United squad will learn from their current predicament.

While Pools were the better side in the main at Blackpool on Saturday, they lost 2-1.

Away defeats have been the norm this season for Pools, this was their 12th on the road – more than any other side in League Two.

But performances have improved under Jones and before this defeat they ended a run of 13 games without a win on the road, with victory at Cambridge.

Jones said: “There was times in this game when we were like the home side, with those fans behind us, but it’s about scoring and they have a bit of luck and confidence and are aiming for promotion.

“Are they better than us? Not really. I’ve not come across anyone better than us at the moment. Learn from it.

“I’m asking youngsters to manage a game, look at the back five and I’m asking a young side to manage a game in the football League but you learn it and that comes with experience. It doesn’t;’ happen.

“You need to play hundreds of game to get in that position where you manage the football match and your team does it. We have such a young squad, this will do them the world of good if they are clever and want to learn.

“We’ve been the better team for long periods and again came away with nothing, same at Luton second half and Colchester too. That’s why we are where we are.

“There’s no magic formula, but hard work. We look sharper and can be fitter, but that work should be done at the start so you are catching up.’’

Pools were backed by 1,684 travelling fans, although an official attendance of 5,374 seemed errant with the home stands sparsely populated.

Jones said of the away fans: “I hope that continues, it was fantastic the noise they made, I said before the game don’t disappointed them. Then we get into a position when can go on and win it but we don’t lose it. I honestly didn’t feel in any danger whatsoever, but switch off and that’s when it happens.

“Stay alert and that doesn’t happen.’’