THE season started with four wins, followed by two defeats and two cup exits. Last week against Carlisle United, Hartlepool twice led and lost.

It’s only early, but Ronnie Moore has warned that the season could be one of ups and downs for Pools. Inconsistency could reign.

Today’s opponents Wycombe were thorough throughout last season as they made the play-offs and are unbeaten so far this campaign, conceding only one goal in five games.

It’s the sort of standards Moore is looking for.

He admitted: “It’s never easy at this level. I never got carried away winning at the start of the season, it was nice, but no-one got carried away because we know it’s going to be a roller coaster. Highs and lows and it’s how we cope with the lows.

“There’s a lot of potential in this squad, lads will get better. Be patient and don’t expect the moon.

“You need a break, you need luck and it takes time. Win four, five or six and you can still be inconsistent and lose the next four, five or six.

“It was the same last season and nothing has changed in this division. Most teams at the same and that’s how it’s going to be. Take it on the chin, we all want to win every game, nothing better is there.’’

Moore has made ten summer signings and the new squad has hit it off. There’s a positive unity around Victoria Park this season and factions which have caused problems in the past are no more.

While there’s the experienced professionals like Matthew Bates and Billy Paynter in the camp, there’s also a number who are just starting out in the game and learning by the week.

“There’s a lot of young players in the side, still learning how to win the game – it sounds stupid because they are professional footballers,’’ mused Moore. “But they are learning to see games out, taking their time over things and killing time. But they are so enthusiastic they are making mistakes while learning.

“We have to learn how to be professional.

“We will get it (inconsistency) all season and if we didn’t get it, then the players would not be here. If we were winning every game they would not be playing for Hartlepool United at this level - it’s all about consistency at this level.’’

And Moore added: “It’s the least inconsistent who will get promotion. Notts County have 18 new faces in, Luton are a big hitters who haven’t hit it off yet, but they will and I guarantee they will be top three come May.

“It comes down to what you can buy and where you can buy from. They’ve cut the squad and bought a classier brand of player.

“Portsmouth, Cambridge have done it, teams in the top seven and they will be more consistent than others.

“Look at ourselves, Carlisle, Morecambe, Accrington, Dagenham – will all be inconsistent. You may get lucky like Wycombe – last season they were consistent and started the game this year.

“You don’t know what will happen. Newport have a bit of extra finance now by getting money in from a sale.’’

Wanderers went from relegation certainties in 2013 to play-off finalists 12 months later. It’s an aspiration of Moore to follow then

He said: "I said last year they are a benchmark for us, but

they have good players who can play the system they have there.

"At times they play, but there are times they will put it in there. We lost there last year but we could have nicked a result, we've hit the post late on.

"Last year, Gareth (Ainsworth) did fantastically well on the budget he has.

"They have started this year well and it will b e hard, but there are no easy games, it doesn't matter who you are playing.

"We'll go there and be positive. There were a lot of positives from Tuesday night, one or two of the younger lads did well.’’

Pools lost to Sheffield United in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy in midweek on penalties after a 1-1 draw, coming a week after Bournemouth knocked them out of the Capital One Cup.

"You have to be realistic, the two cup games no-one expected us to win, but that's how it is,’’ he said. "There is no panic or anything like that.

"We just have to get back to winning ways which is difficult because we have some really hard games coming up, none more so than Wycombe.’’

Ainsworth added: “It will be a totally different Hartlepool side to the one we beat twice last year. They have an experienced manager, different players and a different style.

"Ronnie has done an outstanding job there. It won't be the Hartlepool of last season, we're expecting a tough game.”