FIRST the joy, then the reaction and celebration, followed by a big manhug.

Michael Woods had just scored to put Hartlepool United in front at York in front of almost 2,000 supporters.

His instant reaction was to race in front of the away end, where family and friends stood, before he came around and remembered Ian ‘Buster’ Gallagher was in the dug out.

That Woods was even in contention to play at the start of the season was a huge success in itself after he suffered a dislocated ankle and broken leg at the end of February.

The Northern Echo:
PHYSIO: Ian 'Buster' Gallagher

A summer of honesty and hard work meant he was ready to join in for pre-season training. It was all down the support of one man.

A former Pools midfielder, Buster and the backroom staff have often been praised by boss Ronnie Moore for their efforts. Only yesterday, Moore labelled them the best he has ever worked with.

It’s a sentiment Woods will only back up ahead of this evening’s game at home to Newport, where Pools aim to make it four successive wins at the start of the season for only the second time in their history.

“I owe Buster a lot. I can’t put into words what he’s done for me,’’ reflected Woods. “Things like three-hour car journeys to go and pick up a scan for me, people don’t see that. Being at hospital with me all hours and I can’t thank him and the backroom staff enough.

“Even last season when we were fighting they all kept morale and spirit up. They were a massive part in survival last year.

“For Buster this is more than a job – and it’s the same for all the backroom staff, they are all Pools fans. You see members of staff going from club to club, but that’s not the case here. They are loyal. Days like Saturday are a reward for them.’’

Woods admitted the specialist’s word and medical advice is that he should still be two weeks away from a return to the first-team. He’s managed three games in seven days last week, but can he do the same again?

“I’m struggling at times on the hard pitches, the rain on Friday was delightful. It’s tough playing twice a week, but that’s what I need,’’ he admitted. “The gaffer will be back soon and he will give us all a lift again. A positive result on Tuesday and it’s looking good.

“Match-fitness and playing twice a week is great for me. You can’t match the intensity of games in pre-season that you get in the season. My joint is aching a bit, but that will ease with games.’’

Pools were led by Sam Collins at the weekend, with Ronnie Moore absent. The 4-3-3 formation suits Woods, as it allows him to attack from deep and link up with the front men.

But he almost wasn’t on the Bootham Cresent pitch for the closing stages. Brad Walker was stripped and ready to replace him before the goal.

“Michael is a brilliant kid, different class since he walked in the door,’’ reflected Collins. “Last year he got fitter and fitter and his performances improved.

“He’s had that bad injury and come back from it well. He is one of those lads who loves playing football and his reward is the goal. To run from the edge of our box to get into their box and score is a will to win.

“We were going to take him off, Brad (Walker) was ready to come on and we have him one more minute. Then Woody scores and I think I had best do it straight away.

“Michael was straight over to Buster when he scored. Buster wants the club to do well. He cares so much about the players, nothing is too much trouble for him - he spent so much time over the summer, working every day to get him fit.’’

Moore will be back for tonight’s game. His daughter has been given medial permission to fly back from Spain where she has been in hospital after suffering from pneumonia.

Collins, however, will oversee preparations on Moore’s insistence.

The assistant boss, after three wins from three this season, said: “There’s a lot to build on, the lads are all confident and can’t wait for the next game, it’s about resting and preparing properly for it.

“If we play like we are capable of then we can carry this on.’’

Newport drew with Stevenage on Saturday and boss Terry Butcher said of tonight's game: “Hartlepool is a daunting trip, we go on the day, but these road trips can be character building and help the lads band together, though it’s a long trip, one to pack your duvet, your pillow, maybe a hammock and see where we go from there!

“We are testing ourselves against the best, we go to Hartlepool as underdogs looking to upset the odds.''