MARCH 2016 and Hartlepool United won four games, going six without defeat, to ease the pressure and secure their Football League status.

March 2017 starts now and Pools have already started the run which will hopefully secure their Football League status.

A thumping 4-0 win over Crewe, their biggest victory since seeing off Bristol Rovers in March 2014 by the same scoreline, put six points between themselves and the bottom two.

With a home game with Exeter to come at the weekend, perhaps Pools, four games unbeaten at home now, can start looking up.

Granted the first-half was an insipid affair, Pools appeared nervous and edgy. But a goal from nothing on half-time by Lewis Alessandra and a steady opening to the second-half gave them a base to build on.

And how they did, with Padraig Amond’s effort and honesty bringing a second, before Alessandra’s second and a fine individual effort from Nathan Thomas capped it off.

Boss Dave Jones, following his first real win as manager after he had a helping hand in the victory over Stevenage on January 21, said: “First half, for 44 minutes, I would rather watch paint dry.

“Then we got a break, got a goal and we were a different team.

“I felt once the second went in, we relaxed, it’s nice to score four and get a clean sheet.

“Kenton grew into the game, first 20 minutes – like everyone – it was a struggle to find some tempo, but second-half was nice to watch and a good feeling to have.

“I thought that Podge coming on, he got a super goal and we threatened that all the half. We could be comfortable at 2-0.

“Being one up was a bonus for us at half-time, second-half everyone deserves a slap on the back.’’

The first-half was a poor affair. Pools appeared nervous and the crowd’s anxiety was clear.

Chances and openings were scarce and, despite a bright start, the visitors soon came back into it.

Jordan Bowery got the ball in the area, and when his shot was deflected off Liam Donnelly it curled off the outside of the post to safety.

Pools’ goal came from nothing. Rhys Oates crossed from the left, the defence failed to clear, and Alessandra turned to finish.

It was a strange half-time, with a lead welcome but somewhat surprising.

Pools had two second-half scares with a single goal advantage. First defender George Ray headed wide from a free-kick, before keeper Joe Fryer saved well from Bowery.

The Middlesbrough loanee has impressed since being given his chance in the Pools side and he again gave a composed and secure performance.

In front of him, both Brad Walker and Scott Harrison – still an unlikely centre-half pairing – were immense. Walker is doing things in defence he never did in midfield – winning tackles, challenging for headers, passing the ball confidently and effectively.

Louis Rooney didn’t get much service, and was replaced by Padraig Amond. The Irishman’s graft and wiliness to chase defenders down was rewarded with his 12th of the season.

He closed down keeper Ben Garratt and the deftest of touches took the ball past him and he netted from a tight angle.

It was just what Pools needed, the comfort of a second goal. The pressure was off and they could relax.

And how they did, with confidence coming to the fore.

Alessandra got his second, rifling in from close range after a spot of penalty area pinball when Rhys Oates had a shot blocked and it fell into his path.

The goal came after some intelligent play from right-back Kenton Richardson, as he linked up with Thomas well.

And Thomas capped the night off with the fourth, racing past defender George Ray tight on the touchline and rolling the ball through the legs of keeper Garratt.

Jones concluded: “I would have taken a 1-0 as much as a 4-0, but that is without the nice glow in my belly. I would take any win, we have had good displays without a result.

“This was our poorest first 45 minutes and we won 4-0 in the end.

“At half-time because of the goal. I was a lot calmer rather than shouting.

“It was a vital game to win, a point behind Crewe now and there’s not much between us and a few places higher. It’s such a precarious division, and you can’t go on a run of losing games.

“We needed a good result and we got it tonight.’’

Crewe boss David Artell was brutally honest in his assessment. 

He said: “There was nothing in the game early on. We were on top, then they scored against the run of play and it was the same old story after that.

“We saw again the fragility after going 1-0 down, and then we just lost all structure.

“It was the worst performance since I’ve taken charge of the team.

“I’ve just told the players they have a choice: either work hard and improve or it’s oblivion.

“That’s for their careers, this football club and every one of us. And that applies to everybody.

“Relegation out of League Two means oblivion for everyone. They’ll be in the Conference North, playing for £200 per week with a job as a milkman.”