IN A SEASON of missed opportunities and dropped points, Hartlepool United are out to get on a level footing.

When it comes to throwing points away, Pools are top of the table. In real terms, however, they aren’t.

Pools take on Cheltenham at home today, still seeking their first home League Two win of the season. They did chalk up victory at the Northern Gas and Power Stadium last weekend, albeit against limited non league opposition in the FA Cup as Stamford were despatched 3-0.

“We went through this week all the points we should have had, all the points we have dropped,’’ mused boss Craig Hignett.

“It’s 20 points dropped from being in front and then there’s ten points we have lost from refereeing decisions which we have had written apologies for.

“It’s a fine line between being disappointed and being hard on the lads for where we are. But we can’t be too hard because there’s reasons and apologies for where we are, but we have to knuckle down and step up.

“Get some wins, get points on the board. Last season we did it and won five, six on the bounce and we want that now. The league is tight, we need a good run and we hope with experienced players back it will make a difference.’’

While Pools have lost Nathan Thomas to injury until January at the earliest, Michael Woods is back from the sick list, as is Matthew Bates and Rob Jones is on the verge of a return.

It’s been well documented how much Pools have missed the experienced centre-halves and Bates will start today to provide a calming influence at the back.

“We have Woodsy back, Nicky Deverdics is getting better and he wanted to play Wednesday so they are improving all the time and the squad I have here I am lucky with midfielders I can change and the ones who are in now are doing well,’’ said Hignett.

“There’s decision to be made as Liam can play in a few different roles, we will think after training on Thursday and Friday and make a decision, but I’m fairly certain.

“Rhys Oates looked lively, he is quick and will run in behind people and he scored again and he is one for me, who out of them all, made me think about the most.

“We won at home last weekend, people can stop talking about it now and we want momentum. Wednesday was a pain as it was so low-key I would have liked a league game for momentum, but I wasn’t going to risk players in the game it is.’’

And with the number of dropped points sitting a level too high for anyone’s liking, Hignett understands the value of Bates being in the back four.

“Batesy is fine, his plan was to play Sunday 90 minutes and then 45 in midweek for fitness as we want him good for the weekend,’’ admitted Hignett.

“Rob is close, he’s trained, but he didn’t feel we should risk him after being out so long, he’s not 100 per cent yet so we gave him a couple of extra days.

“I think you can see the difference in defence when Batesy and Rob play. Batesy came through the games this week comfortably, talking and pulling people into position.

“Rob is vocal, Batesy leads by example, Billy will say stuff, but there’s not many more. Without the two centre-halves and we go with the young ones it costs us goals.

“Results and games have proved that. Having them back is a big bonus and we will concede less sloppy ones I’m sure.

“Barnet was a prime example, we gave poor goals away all season, but it’s down to organisation and to give set-piece goals away is galling for me as everyone has a job and everyone has a man to pick up – stop him scoring.

“With two experienced voices there then players will be wary of letting their man run off them.

“Even when we have the ball sometimes we switch off and because we have so much possession, one ball can kill you when you switch off.

“Experienced lads there make sure no-one is switched off at any time.’’