TUESDAY’S 4-0 win didn’t set the standards for Hartlepool United; they have already been laid down.

Dave Jones, while satisfied with the outcome against Crewe, insists there’s more to what he’s out to achieve at Pools than a victory like that enjoyed in midweek.

Managing Pools is a big job and one which Jones is relishing getting stuck into - change is his keyword: a change in mentality, results and outlook.

And that’s why, without overlooking Tuesday, he sees the bigger picture,

“Tuesday was a good result, we have had good performances without the wins,’’ said Jones.

“I think the game will go a long way with confidence and showing that what we are doing is working.

“Bit by bit things are growing, we were unfortunate at Colchester to play well and not get anything. Then the other night was probably the worst we have played and won 4-0.

“We didn’t play well first-half, nicked a goal and the whole team talk changes. Once the second went in then it was about how many we could score.

“We are still in a learning process with so many changes taking place around the place we are trying to get a grip on what we are trying to do.

“The second-half show on Tuesday was good, but the benchmark is already set. Win, play well. It’s set.’’

He added: “It was good for confidence and it’s a long time since the last time this club scored four goals and kept a clean sheet and won at home – four years is far too long.

“If it happened every week I would be abundant with joy, but one nil is the same – it’s points we are chasing and points we need.

“Scoring first the other night was key, but we had showed by sticking in the game we gave ourselves a chance. At Mansfield it was all over by half-time and we end up chasing.

“Hang in there and we sorted out a few problems at half-time and it gave us the chance to press on when the opposition had to open up a bit more.’’

Pools have gone four games without defeat at The Northern Gas and Power Stadium, which is a boon compared to recent seasons.

But away form remains a problem, with trips to Notts County and Cambridge to follow tomorrow’s game with Exeter.

“It’s important that we keep going at home, any team who wants to do something has to pick up points away from home on the back of a good home run. We are doing it at home, but not away,’’ said Jones.

“Maybe we approach it different away from home, just to get a result.

“Player rotation can be essential at this time of the season but we don’t have that luxury. Maybe it took us a long time to get going because we looked jaded? It’s what we will ask before it starts again.’’

Sean Kavanagh and Matthew Bates could both return tomorrow as they overcome hamstring problems.

While they may find it hard to dislodge the current back four after a clean sheet in midweek, they will add to the squad and ensure a full compliment of substitutes for Jones.

“We will look at getting players back and that would be a bonus. We will look to get a couple back and we are hopeful, if we get more all the better,’’ he said.

"We'll work with what we have at the moment but if Buster tells us we have more back then that's a bonus.

"Sean and Batesy are back in and we'll have to wait and see how Billy is.’’

Captain Paynter has been out with an Achilles problem and had an injection last week in the hope of avoiding surgery which would rule him out for the rest of the season.

Jones said: "It looked like he'd be needing an op but they are trying something different to see if it will help him.

"Hopefully it'll work, they don't think it is severe enough to warrant an operation.

"If we can get two back, brilliant. If it's three then that's even better.’’