NEALE Cooper knows Hartlepool United have earned the respect of Bristol City. Now they have to ensure it means something.

Pool are at Ashton Gate today, the scene of last season's last-gasp play-off agony for Cooper.

Pool were leading going into the last three minutes, but their patched-up side couldn't hold on and City grabbed two late goals.

Pool have won only two League away games since that May night, but Cooper's side are in a strong position, in fourth spot, three points and five places ahead of the Robins and Cooper said: "We all know what happened last season down there.

"Our away form, until last week, hasn't been good, but we are confident. The boys had this away record praying on their minds and it was important to shake it off.

"We earned their respect last season in the play-offs. We showed them how well we can play and I think a lot of teams respect us now.

"It was vital that we won against Oldham and that takes us right up to fourth spot, which is fantastic.

"Now we need to keep our away form of last week up. That was a massive result against Wrexham and we have to build on that.

"It was so important to make sure the win at Wrexham wasn't wasted by dropping points against Oldham.

"Our home form is tremendous. A few more away wins will do us good."

Cooper has had a number of players suffering from colds. His players - who didn't train on Christmas Day - trained yesterday morning before setting off for the west country.

City boss Brian Tinnion is predicting a tough encounter.

The former Newcastle man said: "They had been the better team in the play-off until the last ten minutes or so and we know they will be giving everything to erase that bitter memory.

"In any case they are a team who work hard for each other and it's a game we will need to scrap and battle in.

"Hartlepool's away record is not that good, but they won 5-1 at Wrexham which will have done them the power of good.''

Three regulars - Tommy Doherty, Stephen Brooker and Matt Hill - have been laid low by a stomach bug and City fear there could be more to come. Midfielder Tony Dinning is ruled out after suffering an ankle injury in the 2-1 win at Stockport on Boxing Day.

Paul Heffernan is to continue up front in Brooker's absence.