TWO games with Plymouth, two draws, two occasions when Hartlepool United drew when they should have won.

After Craig Hignett’s side were robbed by a late penalty at Home Park back in September, this time the Dave Jones select were denied a deserved win by a strike to grace any game.

The point dropped Pools to third-bottom in League Two. Not the best position to be in, but the signs of progress under Jones were there to see.

Applauded off at the break and at the end, this performance was full of running, honesty and drive. Too often this season those characteristics have been missing.

It did, and it’s been all too rare, feel like a proper game of football. There was a good atmosphere inside the Northern Gas and Power Stadium, the crowd were entertained, the players gave their all.

In their previous home game, Pools were disappointed not to beat Yeovil in a game in which they again performed admirably.

This time while disappointed in the outcome and being pegged back, there was plenty of optimism.

Pools fielded the most inexperienced of defensive units. No-one of Jones Juniors let him down.

Kenton Richardson didn’t let early nerves get the better of him, Sean Kavanagh was assertive in all he did, and in the middle Brad Walker and Scott Harrison were faultless.

Behind them and Joe Fryer, the goalkeeper on loan from Middlesbrough, was safe and solid.

"They looked mobile, looked athletic, again I thought the two centre-backs got stronger, even when they were throwing big men on,’’ reflected Jones.

"They still won their headers, won their tackles.

"The players at the back are youngsters learning their trade.

"Kenton at right-back, for 17, he had a bit of a rough time in the first 15 minutes but he grew into it.’’

The equaliser came down the flank guarded by Richardson, but Jones said: "Because of their age, him and Rhys (Oates) got a bit mixed up, perhaps shown him down the outside, inside of the inside, given he is right footed.

"But listen we are talking about two young players learning their trade and unfortunately in the professional game you get punished for certain things.

"But I couldn't fault the players, every single one of them stepped up to the plate, you could tell by the crowd reaction that they saw that as well."

And Jones added: "The crowd like to see everything ... good play, goals.

"It's not all about tackles, if they see commitment, and desire and they care then I think the fans will always stay with you.

"They saw commitment, desire, a team that wanted to win, were having a right go.

"If the fans see that then they will always get behind the side - if they don't see it then they are entitled to have a moan.’’

There’s been plenty to moan about this season; Saturday was not one of those occasions.

Walker’s defensive experience consisted of 75 minutes filling in there on Tuesday at Luton. In the opening minutes on Saturday he won a header and a tackle to set his stall out.

From then on, those standards didn’t drop and he read the game well, using his strength to fend off attacks.

Jones added: "He didn't do too badly did he? I'd like to think I'm good at changing players around.

"I once changed a keeper into a centre-forward.

"Sometimes certain players are better when they see everything in front of them, instead of receiving it with their back to play.

"Midfielders have to do that, maybe for Brad he sees more in open play.

"Only time will tell, it's only his second game but from what we've seen, it's bringing the best out of Brad, he's doing really well.

"Or are they just listening to what we are saying?

"Because they are young fit and mobile, it doesn't half make a difference."

Mobility and fitness were to the fore, as Pools drove forward with a real purpose.

Padraig Amond was a bit alone up front at times, but his movement allowed midfield runners to charge ahead from deep.

Nathan Thomas showed signs of the electric form before his injury and he drew a rotten foul from full-back Oscar Threlkeld.

Thomas created Pools’ goal – he will create a lot more in the weeks to come.

Pools are changing under Jones, now with a game at Colchester to come, if he can change the outlook away from home, they will soon move up the standings.