BRAD WALKER admitted he had no worries about the pressure of taking a vital penalty on Saturday.

The midfielder, back in the starting XI after a spell out amid an indifferent season, slotted home to secure a vital win over Mansfield.

He ended the game with a cut face after being struck by the boot of sent-off midfielder Junior Brown, but the battle scars of a relegation fight will last longer than a couple of wounds.

Pools striker Ryan Bird missed from the penalty spot in midweek at Oxford and Walker, on the ball in an instant after Nicky Featherstone was brought down, said: "I knew I would be taking the penalty on Friday and I had practiced beforehand.

"I was going to go top corner but then I bottled it and went bottom corner in the end.

"When Nicky went down I was celebrating - I feel confident taking penalties. As soon as he went down, I knew I was taking it.’’

And after he was smashed in the face by Brown’s studs, he added: "I have a big lump on my head, I headbutted their lads studs and ended up with a cut head.

"But at least he was sent off!

"I thought if I don't go in for then the other lads would be having a go at me. I almost ended up with a stud in my eye for my troubles.

"I was a bit dizzy but otherwise OK, Buster (physio) came on and asked me who scored to check I was OK - I told him I had straight away.’’

Pools have won three in a row without conceding in a week and Walker said: "It has been such a big week for us, such a turnaround in results.

"When I got told I was starting at Morecambe, I felt not pressured but I knew I had to take my chance.

"We won there, then at Oxford and to get another here is just unbelievable.

"The mood and atmosphere in the dressing room has just changed completely. You can see it in everybody.’’