COLIN LARKIN insists his 18-month run without a goal in a Hartlepool United shirt never affected his belief.

Since the Irishman scored against Walsall at Victoria Park in September 2009, he had to wait until Saturday to see his name on the scoresheet again - and against the same opponents.

His neat finish from Gary Liddle's cross ended the run and while goals have been missing from his game, he has remained in the first team picture thanks to his workrate and application.

"On a personal note it's been ages since I've scored, it was actually against Walsall 18 months ago, how ironic is that?'' he said.

"I've started the game, which was brilliant, and I've got on the scoresheet, which was brilliant - but that's all I can take from it.

"The first one was a great ball down the line by Monks, Lids ran onto it and just crossed to the near post, which we did in training on Friday.

"I've gambled going there and it's a great ball so all I've got to do is put my foot on it and let the ball do the work.

"The second goal, we must practice that all of the time in training but it never seems to come off in a game.

"This time, though, big Armann's won it and again I've gambled. It landed on my knee and I've tucked it home - you won't get an easier chance than that.''

And now he hopes, with two goals to his name, his teammates will lay off the training ground banter.

"When the lads are giving you stick you think about it (not scoring) a little bit more!'' he joked.

"But I'm the type of player it doesn't affect me because I go into every match believing I'm going to score.

"Since I've been young I've always had that confidence.

"Saying that, it's been 18 months so it's nice to get on the scoresheet and I can breathe now for a couple of weeks.

"For me, I want to stay in the team now and bang in some more goals.

Larkin celebrated his first goal with a charge to the travelling fans in the Bescot Stadium and admitted: "I'd like to thank the fans because some players come to clubs and don't score for ages and the fans get on their backs.

"But they've been great with me and I always give my best. I always try and leave everything on the pitch and I think the fans see that.

"When I come on I try to create stuff and make things happen.

"I could see in the fans' faces that they enjoyed the goals just as much as I did.''