THE slowest of starts to the season, but now Hartlepool United have found their form.

Pools go into tomorrow’s FA Cup tie at South Shields on the back of one defeat in nine. It’s stark contrast to the six-game winless run as they opened up in the National League.

And boss Craig Harrison has put the turnaround to honesty and endeavour.

"It's based on effort, togetherness, really good team spirit and working really ahead for each other,’’ he said.

"If we work hard and do the basics right, stick to our game-plans then the rest should follow we have really good footballers.

"It's important we have good men, that togetherness you need.

"You can have the best players in the world but if you don't have that then they are going to struggle.

"Maybe that bit of adversity in the opening few weeks has just brought everyone that little bit closer together and galvanised us quicker.

"You have to believe in who you are and what you are.’’

Tomorrow’s opponents have lost only once in 51 outings and will fancy their chances of making the first round proper for the first time. The Mariners have already knocked Darlington and York out of the competition and will be seeking a hat-trick.

Pools have important National League games to come at home to Sutton and Tranmere following their FA Cup tie and Harrison added: "I intend to pick a team that will win the game, the strongest team I have available.

"This is the most important game for this club at this moment in time.

"Once this is done and dusted the most important game will then be Sutton.

"I'm not the sort of person who likes looking beyond the here and now.

"It's not going to be easy, we have healthy respect for them, but once that whistle goes I'll be doing everything I can to beat them."

He added: “Is there a fear factor from our point of view? I hope not. I don’t take the fear of losing.

“Worst case scenario? We lose, then win our next three league games and are in the top three in the table.

“We want to win. But start worrying about losing before the game kicks-off is not a mental state of mind to be in and not what we think about.

“We concentrate on winning, that’s the be all and end all.’’

Ryan Donaldson is out for 12 weeks with ankle ligament damage, but for the first time this season, midfielder Luke George is in contention. The summer signing has been sidelined with a number of niggling problems, which included having his wisdom teeth removed.

“Luke is back in training this week, Michael Ledger too and they are in the frame for Saturday,’’ said Harrison.

“Ryan Donaldson’s operation has been put back from Wednesday to Friday – it’s a pain in backside, but a couple of days won’t make a difference.

“It was an innocuous injury, it happened how he landed against Barrow. Cass is coming back too, Keith (Watson) was a freak injury too, but we hope he can be back sooner rather than later.

“It’s good to have Luke back in full training.

“Liam Donnelly is back from international duty unscathed too and I’ve spoke with him the last few days and it was good for him to play and win games with his country.

“It’s nice for him to come back fit and full of confidence after a great result. Those three are in which we haven’t had for the last week or so which is great.’’