TWO wins on the trot and Hartlepool United head into a hectic early-season period in high spirits.

Following victories over Scunthorpe in the Carling Cup and Doncaster at Victoria Park in League One last weekend, Pools are at Port Vale tomorrow - the start of five games in fourteen days.

Pools go to Sheffield Wednesday in the Carling Cup next Tuesday before a home league game with Oldham, a JPT trip to Chesterfield and end the run with a trip to Elland Road to face Leeds United for the first time in the Football League.

It means six of Pools first eight games in all competitions are away from home and Richard Barker, with two penalties to his name this season - including the winner against Rovers - is looking forward to the battles to come.

"It's been a good week for us, it's just slightly disappointing that we didn't get a bit more on the first Saturday at Luton,'' admitted the striker with 11 goals from 20 games for Pools since signing in January.

"But what's gone on since has certainly boosted our confidence and make this week more enjoyable going into Saturday's game "We've got some hard league games coming up and then a couple of midweek cup ties away from home.

"We've got Sheff Wed away and then the week after we're at Chesterfield in the LDV Vans Trophy, so you are talking about five games in 15 days that sort of thing.

"It's going to be a very busy time, so going into that run of games with two good wins under your belt.

And Barker added: "It was a bit unfortunate how the fixtures came out really that we have had two of the supposed top five teams in this division up first.

"I think it would have been a bit unfair if we had gone into the third week of the season without a point.

"You always have the thought in your mind 'we need our first points'', that sort of thing, so once you get your first win you can build from there really.

Pools trip to Leeds has been designated a Category A game by the Elland Road club.

Tickets - Pools have been allocated an initial batch of 1,700 - go on sale to season ticket holders from 9am on Tuesday, one ticket per person. General sale starts on Monday, September 3.