CHRIS Turner insisted on Thursday he had not thought about taking over as manager at Hartlepool United for the second time.

Appointed caretaker boss, he may wake up this morning with different thoughts.

He looked on from the Victoria Park dugout as Pools gave their most measured and assured display in weeks to see off Southend with ease.

Two goals from Kevin Kyle and a Christmas cracker from Matty Robson earned Pools a first win in seven – and it means there's no immediate pressure on chairman Ken Hodcroft to find a permanent replacement for Danny Wilson.

This was the eighth time scored at least three goals at home. This time the opposition didn't manage as many, as Pools defended assuredly, throwing bodies in the way of the ball to keep only their fourth clean sheet of the season – and Jan Budtz's second in three games.

Turner's tenure got off to a dream start, with a goal scored by the last player signed by Wilson.

Joel Porter, back in the side after a thigh strain, cut the ball back across the penalty area and Kevin Kyle, stood unmarked and continuing the way he ended last weekend's game at Hereford, swept in a first-time shot into the corner of the net.

And it could have been two just three minutes later.

A flowing move saw Porter this time play Matty Robson in on the left side, his low effort was superbly stopped by keeper Steve Mildenhall.

At the other end, Jan Budtz stepped up to the mark the first time he was called into action.

Alex Revell found space to shoot and Budtz parried the ball away, into the path of Alan McCormack. The midfielder may have scored against Pools last season at Roots Hall, but this time screwed his shot horribly high.

But after starting positively, Southend, without a win since October 28 – the same time Pools last won a League game – were edging back into the game.

Without asking any questions of Budtz they were getting a foothold of the game, especially in midfield as they passed the ball with purpose.

It counted for nothing, however, on 35 minutes. And from then on it was game over for the visitors.

After his cross into the area was cleared, the left winger picked up possession 25 yards from goal. A couple of touches later and the ball was bending, courtesy of the outside of his left boot, wickedly past the Mildenhall, who didn't know which way to dive.

The goal of the season award can be presented tomorrow.

Kyle went close with a contender of his own on 50 minutes. He turned and curled a low effort inches wide of the far post.

Southend were down to ten men soon after. Porter raced away from inside his own half and when sped beyond Adam Barrett, a tug by the visiting skipper was enough to send the striker to the floor.

He had already been booked, but referee Jon Moss showed an instant red.

It got better for Pools soon after. Ritchie Jones floated over a deep cross, Robson pushed it into the six yard box and Kyle pushed it into the net.

Turner's last game in charge was on a similar squally evening, as Pools drew 0-0 with York at Victoria Park.

He left for Sheffield Wednesday with some unfinished business at Victoria Park. Five years on and he may get the chance to complete his work in League One.

Goals:Kyle (1-0, 5 mins); Robson (2-0, 35mins); Kyle (3-0, 60mins)

Bookings: Barrett (foul, 22mins); Harding (dissent, 22); Collins (foul, 90)

Sending-off: Barrett (foul, 56mins)

Referee: Jon Moss (Leeds) 6

Attendance: 3,123

Entertainment: 4/5

HARTLEPOOL UNITED (4-4-2): Budtz 7; Sweeney 7, Nelson 8, Collins 7, Humphreys 7; Jones 8, Liddle 6, Clark 7 (Monkhouse 83), Robson 8; Porter 8 (Mackay 70mins,), Kyle 7. Subs (not used): McCunnie, Rowell, Cook.

SOUTHEND UNITED: Mildenhall 6; Francis 6, Clarke 5, Barrett 4, McCormack 5, Barnard 5 (Grant 62mins, 5), Revell 5, Betsy 5, Harding 5, Milsom 4, Stanislas 4 (Laurent 77). Subs (not used): Walker, Sankofa, Joyce.

MAN OF THE MATCH MATTY ROBSON – another top-notch display on the left side and a goal to match