NEALE Cooper was a relieved man on Saturday, admitting Hartlepool United got out of jail with a late win over Doncaster Rovers.

But Cooper was critical of the fans after his side was booed off by some at the break.

Trailing one-nil and, after being outplayed for long periods, substitute Joel Porter netted twice in the closing minutes to secure a 2-1 victory.

Pool were heading for a rare home defeat before Porter's intervention and Cooper admitted: "In the first-half we couldn't live with them. We were a bit relieved to be only one goal down.

"We had one or two half chances, but they were a different class.

"Their movement and touch was spot on. We work hard in games and in training week in, week out and the fans know that.

"So they could see we were being outplayed by a very good team and we need some encouragement at times.

"I've praised our supporters from day one - they have been brilliant - but there was a lot of boos, which I was disappointed with.

"There was a lot of things which we had to be better in the second-half and I think we did get better.

"Use of the ball at times wasn't good enough, we weren't getting the ball out wide and when we did the crowd noticed and cheered!

"When you have players like that, you have to give them the ball and let them do something with it.''

He added: "Dimi was excellent again, he comes off his line and collects the ball comfortably. OK, he had a couple of poor kicks, but his goalkeeping was good and he made a great save at the end.

"He has that shot-stopping ability as well as the ability to come for and collect crosses.

"Defenders know he is going to come and take the ball and it gives them confidence.''

* Pool will travel to Oldham in the quarter-finals of the LDV Vans Trophy on November 30.

Last season, Pool lost in the first round of the competition at Boundary Park on penalties.

Read more about Hartlepool here.