DENIS BEHAN believes the lowest point in Hartlepool United’s season can prove an incentive for better times.

After rolling over and losing 5-0 to MK Dons last weekend, Pools responded with a gritty and solid display at Charlton on Tuesday.

While Pools lost 2-1 at The Valley, they gave a muchimproved display. They go to Bristol Rovers on Saturday before meeting Gillingham at Victoria Park in a game they need to win.

Behan made his first start on Tuesday since suffering ankle ligament damage on November 24 and admitted: “We can take a lot of positives from Tuesday night, but I don’t want to come away from Bristol Rovers with anything less than a result.

“We have to go there with the idea that we can win, because if we lose a couple more games, we’re in a relegation battle that we don’t want to be in and this team’s a lot better than that.

“But in a way, the MK Dons game could be a turning point in our season. A 5-0 drubbing has focused everyone properly.

“Before the game on Tuesday, there was quiet in the dressing room because everyone knew just what their job was. We were outdone in the finish, but we were really focused.’’ Pools stay in mid-table despite the back-to-back losses and Behan added: “We know this league is a fight and we have to fight our way to get into the top half.

“I was asked in a meet and greet with the fans where I thought this team could finish.

I said I think this team can finish better than ninth.

I’m still of that opinion.

“Okay, we lost to the second place in the league on Tuesday but we didn’t make them look like that.’’ Behan nabbed his fifth of the season on Tuesday, firing in a second-half penalty and, after converting, he admitted: “Myself and Boydy have been tossing a coin to see who would take the first one. Even Aussy (Neil Austin) wanted it – but there was no way I was going to miss that.’’

■ Preston defender Neal Trotman looks set to join League One outfit Huddersfield on loan for the remainder of the campaign.

North End boss Darren Ferguson has a number of options at centre-back and is happy for Trotman to head to the Galpharm Stadium.

Ferguson said: ‘‘They’ve inquired and he is going to speak to them.

‘‘I have spoken to the lad, he is happy to go. It is not a done deal yet, but it is progressing that way.’