RONNIE MOORE admits Hartlepool United have set their standard for the rest of the season.

Despite being knocked out of the FA Cup at the third round stage, losing 2-1 to Derby, Moore’s side gave an impressive performance from start to finish.

Pools took the lead through a fine Jake Gray volley, before Jacob Butterfield soon levelled. Darren Bent, the former Sunderland and England striker, netted an 87th minute winner for the Rams.

But Pools, who have not played a League Two game since December 19, are floundering in League Two.

They meet Wycombe at Victoria Park on Saturday and Moore admitted: “We go home happy, but disappointed to lose. With three to go we have to do better with the ball in the wide area and then a block takes the pace of the ball to give Bent a chance.

“It was a hell of a tie, they opened up a bit and went 4-2-4 to have a go and the goal we scored, fantastic. Woodsy a great run, great ball and Gray scored well.

“Then see the game out, we let them back too early with a misunderstanding and the sub (Butterfield) scored with his first touch past our keeper.’’

Pools goal was well crafted with Michael Woods surging forward to cross for loanee Gray to smartly volley in and Moore said: “Woodsy, what a great ball in, asked to be put into the net.

“We had a chance before they scored the winner, Brad Walker came on and chipped over, Scotty Fenwick got under it and they broke away to score.

“The boys did their all and they deserved another crack.’’