HARTLEPOOL United will be without Jake Cassidy for the next two months.

The two-goal striker has suffered a stress fracture of the right foot, which needs resting. He will wear a cushioned moon boot for a few weeks to allow the problem to heal.

Cassidy limped off in the win at Guiseley last Monday after playing with the problem, but was forced out of the weekend win over Maidstone at Victoria Park.

Harrison said: “Jake has done well for us, it’s a blow without a shadow of doubt and I’m disappointed for the lad, we have a lot of history together and he’s scored a couple of important goals for us.

“He’s played a huge part in our first three points, at Guiseley. But what can we do about it now? I believe in controlling the controllables, but this is something we or Jake can’t control.’’

He remained philosophical about the loss and admitted: “It is what it is - I’m not one for crying over spilt milk. We suffer injuries over a season and that’s why we have a strong squad.

“It’s disappointing, but my opportunity as a footballer came through someone getting injured and on Saturday, it was Connor Simpson who took his chance well.

“I’ve had a lot of injury history myself and know how frustrating it is. Don’t worry about it, it has no effect on what we do as a squad for the next few weeks.

“I’m disappointed for him and he is desperately disappointed and he has put his body on the line for the club, gone through the pain barrier until enough was enough.

“He has helped us, he will be missed, but we will now look at the players who are fit and available for the next four, five, six weeks.’’

Pools take on the National League leaders Dagenham tomorrow, buoyed by back to back victories after a sticky and winless start to the season.

Last Saturday’s win came amid a thoroughly entertaining performance and Harrison said: "The squad and staff always had the belief that we were not far off.

"Aside from Fylde, which was not good enough, I didn't think we'd been too bad, yes it could have been better but I think we'd probably deserved to get a few more.

"But we've got the monkey off our back now and psychologically it has been good.

"If you are a professional footballer, then you are a good player, so probably 80% is in the head, so the results have probably given us more confidence and licence to be a bit more productive and enjoy the game that bit more.

"There was a bit of tenseness at the start of the season, maybe that comers with the expectation of being Hartlepool United, but back to back wins have got us up and running."