HARTLEPOOL UNITED, second-highest goalscorers in League Two away from home this season, go to Doncaster, highest scorers in the division.

Pools have bagged 16 on their travels, but shipped 18. Rovers have 16 to their name at home.

“I wouldn't think it will be 0-0!” quipped Pools boss Craig Hignett.

Pools, however, kept a clean sheet last week. No coincidence it came with the return to the back four of Matthew Bates.

The experienced former Middlesbrough man will be alongside Toto Nsiala this afternoon. Pools have lost their last two away games by the same 3-2 scoreline, both thanks to some elementary defensive mistakes.

“He gives us a little bit of calmness and has that desire to keep clean sheets,’’ said Hignett of Bates. “We have had four young defenders playing. They are all still learning the game.

“None of them are really vocal. They all have different qualities.

“Sometimes when things are starting to turn in a game you need someone to manage players through the games. That's what experienced players do.

“We have kept on hammering away, hammering away, keep on doing the same things in games. The players have been just playing the game.

“But I want us to think. I want players to realise what to do in different situations. We are getting better at it, but the experience helps.’’

Bates also scored last weekend, only his second goal for the club, but Hignett has welcomed his return to the back four.

“He has a calm edge,’’ he said. “It's not just with the ball, it is without the ball, too.

“He is someone who is a good example for the younger kids.

“When you watch him you can see the level that he has played at.

“He would still be at that level still had he not had injuries. He is still a relatively young lad.’’

He added: “I am hoping we keep a clean sheet, because we have got goals in our side. Last year we didn't socre as many goals but this year we are scoring lots.

“We need to strike the right balance between scoring goals and keeping things tight. Hopefully the last couple of weeks have been a start and we go there with some confidence.’’

Last week’s win put Pools to within three points of the play-offs. Over their shoulders and they are only three off thre bottom two.

“It's nuts - the league is so tight,’’ mused Hignett. “That's why you can go anywhere and we can give anyone a game.

“I am confident we can go on a run at some stage and I think that run is now.

“If we do, we will find ourselves in a play-off spot or better, but we’re a bit disappointed with the points we have .

“We feel we should have 10 more, at least and that would put us in a strong position in the league. While we have been hit and miss, we are not too far away.’’

Of today’s game, against a side managed by Darren Ferguson with former Pools midfielder Gavin Strachan as his right-hand man, Hignett added: “Darren has them playing well – they are a good footballing side, they will have a go at you.

“They will go forward but that will suit us. They do score goals but I am looking forward to it because they do score goals.

“Ferguson has a good understanding of the league, and he spent some time at Peterborough and then at Preston.

“He has some good results, some good runs, knows the league, knows a lot of the players at this level.

“It will be a tough game because he has them well organised.

“He is a manager who is very passionate about what he does. It will be two teams who want to play football.’’