LAST time Hartlepool United went ahead in a game of football they didn’t know what to do. Taking the lead against Oxford in Ronnie Moore’s first game in charge, Victoria Park became a pit of nervousness.

Their advantage that day lasted all of 12 minutes.

Four games later and the influence of Moore and the demands he places on his players was evident.

Scott Fenwick gave them a first-half advantage and they more than held onto it. They enjoyed being in the lead, took on the responsibility of being in front and so came a first victory in 13 games.

Since that last win, which came under caretaker boss Sam Collins, Pools have appointed and sacked Paul Murray, Collins has had a second spell in charge, the club has been taken over by new owners and Christmas and new year have came and gone.

This win still leaves them with a hell of a task to avoid relegation, but at least they showed they are capable of putting up a fight.

They actually looked like a half-decent team on Saturday. They chased, harassed, used the ball well and dominated the opposition.

Granted, Cheltenham were desperately poor. But how many times have poor teams won at Victoria Park of late. This division isn’t great – do the basics, do them well and you have a chance.

That’s as much as Moore has demanded off his players and they responded.

"I always thought this was a game we could win,’’ admitted Moore. "But I did against Morecambe and we never turned up then.

"It is alright me feeling that way but it was a lively dressing room before the game and it was fantastic at the end.

"But we haven't won anything - we have won one game.

"We have got ourselves in a mire, can we get ourselves out of it?

"There are some big games against those teams still to come, but it is nice when it is single figures and not double figures.

"It gives you a little boost."

It made a welcome change for supporters and players to be leaving the game with a smile on their faces.

Moore added: "Let's enjoy the win first and foremost - it has been that long coming.

"I told the players, take your missus out and have a bite to eat.

"They don't need a mask or anything over their head in Hartlepool, they can show their faces because of the performances they have given.

"We need that next week too.

"I have been crying out for that tempo, we had more shots in the first ten minutes since I have been here.

"That is because we had the tempo right and got in good positions.’’

With his three loan signings bringing strength and pace to the team, Pools were strong.

Scott Harrison, said former boss Colin Cooper, would head a fridge. On Saturday, he dominated. Moore is after an experienced head at the back, a leader. Harrison played that role ideally, and was assisted by Dan Jones alongside him.

Between them the pair haven’t played much football, but they have developed a good understanding in just two games together.

Ahead of them and Aaron Tshibola added some authority to midfield, with Michael Woods full of running and verve.

Up front, Scott Fenwick and Rakish Bingham hit it off instantly. One quick, one powerful, both were on the scoresheet.

Fenwick got his second goal for Pools since turning professional. After his debut finish against York, he’s at times struggled and looked lost in his last start against Morecambe.

This time, however, he put himself about, and loved the challenge.

His goal came when Jack Compton’s low cross into the corridor of uncertainty beat goalkeeper Trevor Carson and Fenwick showed a determination to get to the ball to finish.

He had one cleared off the line in the second half and Pools had plenty of chances for a second.

When it came it was a well-worked move. Bingham held the ball up as Pools defended, turned and fed Woods. He broke forward, played in Bingham and his pace took him away to finish crisply.

"We need that never say die attitude, that togetherness and we had that,’’ added Moore. "Everyone did what we asked of them.

"I was really pleased with it, it was a solid performance.

"The work ethic was there and if you get that every week you'll win more than you lose.’’