TREVOR Carson, the outstanding Hartlepool United goalkeeper, hopes Saturday proved a turning point for his side.

Pools drew 0-0 at Portsmouth with Carson making three brilliant second-half stops to keep his side level as they came under constant pressure.

The Northern Irish international was outstanding at Fratton Park, the clean sheet coming after he shipped nine goals in the two previous games.

And he admitted feeling the criticism hurled the club’s way in recent weeks.

“We are only human. We read the papers and the forums. We read what people are saying about us. It gets through to the players,’’ he said. “It has been hard to read.

“We are all fighting for the cause. Not one player goes out there to sack a game off.

“We are an honest group of players - maybe too honest – but we are proud of each other after that.’’

He added: “We have good team spirit. We have made a pact with each other that Cambridge was rock bottom.

“We will never go below that.

“We have shown with that performance that we are fighting for this football club.’’

Carson spent a season at Fratton Park and took pride from his performance on his return the club.

He may have frustrated his former fans, but admitted: “I don't think I was overly busy. There have definitely been busier keepers at Fratton Park this season. But when I had to make my saves I did so.

“It is a great feeling to play my part in a big point.

“I loved playing here for Pompey. I missed playing in front of a big crowd.

“Batesy was saying that too. It makes you feel like a proper footballer again.

“But every one of the players stood up to it. They won everything . The lads were outstanding.’’