HARTLEPOOL UNITED still may have their share of suffering to go through before they get better, according to Dave Challinor.

The AFC Fylde boss saw his side coast to a deserved victory at Victoria Park on Saturday, as Pools failed to register a single shot on goal.

The atmosphere inside Victoria Park turned hostile in the second-half as Pools failed to look like they were going to level the scoreline.

And Challinor admitted: “I think this was a different one as the atmosphere probably favoured us in the fact that there was more pressure on Hartlepool because of their situation in that there’s still a bit of a hangover from their relegation last season.

“I suppose people from outside thought that they would be one of the front-runners in this division, but it’s not always like that.

“Playing here, I suppose from a manager looking at it from the outside, I wouldn’t want that burden on my team. Sometimes players can hide a little bit, don’t get me wrong I think they will be alright but there will be a little bit of turmoil and hard work to come first before they turn things around.

“But from my perspective I knew if we could start well then it could have an effect and certainly help us through the game. To get the goal made it more comfortable for us and we fully deserved to win.’’

Pools are likely to be without Scott Harrison today after he was forced off on Saturday with a metatarsal injury. Liam Donnelly is on international duty with Northern Ireland under-21s. Carl Magnay missed Saturday’s game through illness and Louis Laing has a hamstring injury.

The back four will be patched up at Guiseley this afternoon.

Matthew Bates, however, won’t be in contention. The centre-half has not trained in pre-season after joining the coaching staff.

“Batesy is retired as far as I know,’’ said boss Craig Harrison. He’s had five cruciates. Ideally it’s not one we want to visit as it’s a big issue. I’m sure Matty has had a long, hard think about it. It’s a personal question and answer for Matty, no-one else.’’