ONE point from 15 for Hartlepool United. Last season it was pretty normal, an acceptance that wins were indeed a rare breed.

This time around, there’s no worry hanging over Victoria Park. Performances and potential are clearly improved.

A draw with Cambridge ended a run of four defeats in a row – it should also be the catalyst for an upturn in results.

Of their four defeats there’s only the loss to Wycombe which couldn’t be disputed. The three other reverses – Stevenage, Carlisle and Exeter – could easily have been avoided and indeed been won by Pools.

And, on the same footing, this draw could easily have been a victory.

Cambridge, with their five-man defence and three midfielders acting as surrogate defenders, did their best to stifle Pools, but only one team was willing to win this one and instead Pools came away with their first draw of the season and only their eighth under 37 games managed by Ronnie Moore.

The manager said last week said Pools were up against a long-ball team, opposite number Richard Money denied that was the case.

After 90 minutes, Moore said: “As competitive as we were, we don’t have to play against long-ball football every week. If people think that is football then I’m watching a different game.

“They are supposed to be a footballing side now apparently and our two centre-halves have been outstanding. Hopefully we have the wedge put in and we move on.

“Scotty (Harrison) and (Andrew) Boyce have an understanding and he’s (Harrison) looking like the player he was.’’

In his defence, Money was unapologetic for his side’s morose outlook. With a stack of injuries affecting his squad, he said: “If Man Utd played without Rooney, Schweinsteiger and four or five key players they aren’t as good as they can be,

“They are key players and until we get everyone fit and match fit it came be a struggle. We struggled to a point.’’

Pools went close time and time again. That finish, that lucky bounce in front of goal or strike didn’t happen.

Moore felt his side was trying to score “the perfect goal” – and he had a point. While it was hard to break down the massed defensive ranks, perhaps Pools were guilty of one touch, one pass too many.

The front three worked to stretch the Us back line. Billy Paynter’s return gave Pools a focal point up front again, Rhys Oates worked the flank well and Rakish Bingham got into dangerous positions without being able to finish.

It’s no exaggeration to say that if his finishing was accurate he could be into double figures this season. When he gets going, he could be prolific.

When Michael Woods unexpectedly scuffed a shot, Bingham latched onto it and his shot on the turn was well saved.

In the second-half, he had three openings. First he touched a low Oates cross into the keeper when a firm connection would have done the job. Then a fine and instinctive volley was blocked by Paynter, before he hesitated a touch to waste a good opening in the area.

“At the moment we are close, be it a bad ball in or not being on the front foot,’’ reflected Moore. “It’ll come as we have players who know what the game is about and have scored goals in the past.

“Keep putting the ball in the right areas and hopefully one of them will get on the end of it.

“Billy gives us a presence, dropping short allowing lads to get in behind and his link-up play is really good – but he needs a goal as well.

“You’ve got him, Bings who is crying out of a goal. Billy nearly gets in there first-half and we keep going, keep believing and we will be OK.

“It’s all little one-twos on the edge of the box, trying to create the perfect goal. When it’s there, give it a whack and see what happens.

“We keep working on it and it will come.’’