CRAIG HARRISON has praised his midfield trio for setting up Tuesday’s return to winning ways.

The Hartlepool United boss reverted to his preferred 4-3-3 set up for their game with Halifax Town and was rewarded with the biggest win of the season.

Pools were two-up after only seven minutes and the outcome was never in doubt.

Michael Woods was outstanding in a midfield three, as he set up three of Pools’ four goals, while Connor Newton scored his first goal with a late tap-in.

“Michael Woods was fantastic, we spoke before how much effect he has and he’s been struggling with an Achilles injury, but he looked a lot fresher,’’ reflected Harrison.

“He is all about being on the front foot and Nicky Featherstone was like a conductor in there, he controlled the game when we had the ball and Connor like Woodsy has energy, running past strikers and stretching teams.’’

Harrison revealed yesterday morning that Woods and Newton both covered over 12 kilometres in the game, such was their energy and effort in seeing off the Shaymen.

Pools flopped when starting with 4-4-2 last weekend, but of Tuesday, the boss added: “It was good and positive. We made changes to freshen things up. Luke George has been out a long time and it’s a big ask to play Saturday-Tuesday and we need him fresh. We have a heavy schedule to come.

“Tempo was good from the off and in the second-half, I’ve been in that situation when you are losing like that and their manager will have gone through them like a dose of salts and demanded that doesn’t happen again. It’s about pride.

“Connor came in and I wanted to freshen up a bit the side, to rest and look after a couple of players. Connor is a naturally fit lad and he has energy and anticipation for second balls and him and Woodsy were fantastic at doing that.

“Football is about consistency, the higher you go the difference between the best and lower divisions is consistent. The best play 8/9 out of ten every week and might have a ten, the rest might have a five or six and then an eight. It’s about consistency of performance and you find that.’’

Jonathan Franks (back) and Blair Adams (hamstring) were missing on Tuesday and were being assessed yesterday at Pools’ training base.

“Franksy felt it in training and it’s about not risking people, we hope he’s ready for the weekend. Same with Blair Adams and we don’t want a five-six week thing being out.

“We hope they are fit for the weekend. It’s about managing people.’’