THERE was no Great Escape-like scenes of three years ago. As Hartlepool United finally managed to stave off the threat of relegation the reaction was born out of relief than celebration. 

Pools will be playing in the National League next season; at least that’s something because there’s been plenty of occasions when it’s been in doubt. 

Back in 1999 it was against Leyton Orient at Victoria Park on a Tuesday night in April when Pools won 1-0 to secure their Football League status under Chris Turner, safety coming after Pools looked a lost cause for too long. The more things change the more they stay the same. 

Peter Beardsley scored the only goal that night and the England and Newcastle hero was looking on from the Cyril Knowles Stand as Louis Laing proved the match-winner this time, his first-half header arcing into the net. 

Pools now have two games left this season, they are 17th and seven points ahead of fourth-bottom Woking. 

Caretaker boss Matthew Bates admitted: “It’s a good feeling, a big relief and weight off the shoulders for us all. I feel proud. Proud of myself, the players, the staff. People underestimate what those lads have been through.

“It’s a massive pat on the back after what’s gone on off the field. The size of the squad made me worry about injuries and players have played when they didn’t have to, but they have got on with it.

“We are safe with two games to go and I believed in what we are trying to do. It’s a great achievement, but not something this club wants to be associated with.

“We were even money to go down when I took over – everything was against us and we come through it.

“It’s gave me confidence I can do the job and a lot of credit has to go to the coaches who are here – Ged (McNamee) and Ross (Turnbull) who have become Hartlepool fans overnight.

“Nothing has changed with the owners and I would like a conversation this week, if it will be me in charge next season or not. There’s a lot of things to go into. If it’s me then great, if not then we know.’

It was 15 minutes before Pools had any sort of attack – and by then the Os had long been firing plenty of balls into the home penalty box. 

Pools were allowing the visitors the chance to drill their share of angled deliveries on top of keeper Scott Loach.

Ryan Donaldson, again playing through the middle up front, was tackled and from the corner, Donaldson’s goalbound header was knocked off the line.

Then came an astonishing miss from the visitors. Louis Laing’s loose header played Josh Koroma in on goal, he picked his spot and somehow rolled wide from ten yards. 

Referee Andrew Miller was a source of frustration for Pools. He booked Michael Woods for what looked like a fine midfield tackle and was petty in his officiating. Later he cautioned Orient’s Craig Clay for an innocuous tussle with Ryan Donaldson. 

But Pools weren’t much better themselves. Orient were doing all the pressing, moving the ball around and Matthew Bates must have thought about changing his midfield diamond which lacked lustre. 

Jake Cassidy was played in by Josh Hawkes, but the ball was running away from him and keeper Dean Brill was able to get there. 

Pools took an unlikely lead on 38 minutes; with an unlikely scorer. 

Laing has cost Pools at the other end of late, almost gifting Sutton victory on Saturday and handing Guiseley victory on Easter Monday. This time his looping header at the far post, from Michael Woods’ cross, had too much for Brill as it sailed over the keeper. 

On 55 minutes, Laing conceded a needless corner. The dead ball brought a big scramble in the six-yard area from which Pools managed to survive. Then Daniel Happe darted into the area and fired against the underside of the bar. 

Sitting deep wasn’t doing Pools any good in the second half; just as in the opening 45 minutes they invited the pressure on and they failed start any attacks. 

If Pools went any deeper they would be in the fruit and veg aisle in Morrison’s behind the Town End. 

A second goal was needed, but they weren’t creating anything, weren’t getting possession or making inroads in the opposition half. The crowd was too quiet, as edgy as the players. 

Lamar Reynolds twisted and turned into the area, his low shot diverted wide for a corner. Hawkins headed off the line as Pools were pegged back. 

And despite a few more scares, they saw the job out.