MATTHEW Bates admits to feeling a bit uncertain going into the new season; he need not have worried.

His Hartlepool United side returned from Maidstone with a point in a 1-1 draw, amid a performance which boded well for the months ahead.

Liam Noble’s goal cancelled out the home side’s penalty opener within a minute of trailing, as Pools showed some welcome character and spirit - -traits which have been lacking at the club in recent years.

Pools now have successive home games – Harrogate Town tomorrow night and Ebbsfleet at the weekend to build on Saturday’s promise.

Bates admitted: “The squad is strong and I felt all the players were great, they gelled and it’s not easy to gel, you never know who they fit into a system and mix. This was a good small step and we look to Tuesday and want to get going at home too.

“Tuesday will be a good one at home. Fans can see the club going in the right direction.

“I was anxious before the game, but all managers will be feeling that. New manager, new players, new style, new way of playing and you never know if it will work. But it did work, did well – created chances and looked solid.’’

And boss Bates added: “I felt we were good, very good at times. I’m disappointed to give away a lot of territory to them and our keeper has pulled off some saves.

“Attacking and I felt we were outstanding. We defended well and limited them, and it’s about us sustaining pressure for longer periods of the game. It’s about game-management.

“The penalty wasn’t a penalty – I didn’t think it was at the time and Niko (Muir) said he hasn’t touched him. The referee was desperate to give something and he was an inexperienced referee.

“We reacted well and took the game to them straight away. We were probably better first-half and we didn’t let our heads go down – we wanted to sign strong characters in the summer.

“Liam was very good, but I could praise a lot of the players out there. We have a different make up to the side now and get the ball forward in good areas.’’

Pools conceded when debutant Muir was ruled to have kicked Ollie Muldoon as he stooped to head a cross.

Blair Turgott scored when he sent Scott Loach the wrong way from the penalty spot.

But Pools were level instantly. The ever-willing Luke James broke to find Noble, who slotted in from the edge of the area.

Jake Cassidy had chances to shoot, but his radar was off beam and at the other end he cleared off the line. Peter Kioso, amid a secure debut, had a goalbound volley hacked away.

Maidstone: Worgan, Twumasi, De Havilland, Finney, McLennan, Muldoon (Wynter 90), Lewis, Phillips (Paxman 62), Turgott, Loza, Quigley (Mullings 69). Not Used: Efete, Richards.

Hartlepool: Loach, Magnay, Davies, Kioso, Donaldson, Noble, Featherstone (Newton 88), Kitching, Muir (Hawkes 69), James (Dinanga 80), Cassidy. Not Used: Anderson, Woods.

BOOKED: Cassidy