AFTER finding his shooting boots, Joel Porter is trying to solve a puzzle at the other end.

Hartlepool United's Australian striker has scored three goals in his last four starts, including one in last week's comfortable win over Hull at Victoria Park.

But as Pool head to Luton tonight and a reunion with former boss Mike Newell, the SocceRoo is looking at why Pool have struggled defensively away from home.

Pool have lost heavily at Swindon and MK Dons this season and have won only once, a 2-0 win at Huddersfield.

Their away form is ranked the fourth worst in the division; last season they were the best.

And Porter admitted: "The way we played last Saturday was like the way we played football last season - quick passing and good movement.

"It was a very good performance and we maintained it for long periods.

"I think we have been doing it on and off in small bursts at home this season, but it's been our away games where we haven't done as well.

"Last year at the start of the season, our away form wasn't the best and it took a while to get going.''

He added: "Hopefully, we can start to win games away from home again very soon. I don't think it's anything to do with confidence or anything like that - maybe we just need a little bit of luck because things have been going against us this season.

"And we've had a fair few injuries, which is a contrast to last season. The team hasn't been the same for a lot of consecutive games, when maybe it was last year, and that affects things like balance and continuity.

"I've been pleased with my form in the last two games and now I have to be more hungry in front of goal.''

Tonight will be Alan Pouton's last game in a blue and white shirt, with Gillingham refusing to allow him to stay at Pool for a second month.

Both Cooper and Pouton were keen to extend his stay, but Gills' boss Andy Hessenthaler wants him back at the Priestfield Stadium.

Last Saturday's performance against Hull was his best to date and Cooper admitted: "It is disappointing because Alan fitted in really well.

"He has been getting fitter with every match and with that fitness, you could see his quality coming through."

Meanwhile, Newell is expected to sign a new contract at Kenilworth Road.

His deal expires at the end of the season and chairman Bill Tomlins said: "Michael is part and parcel of the club going forwards.

"He's a very young manager who will go on to have a successful career. We've made him an offer and I believe, from what Michael has said, that he will be signing it.''

Steve Howard will return to the Luton forward line after missing last week's draw at Tranmere through suspension.

Howard left Pool in 1999 and has since scored six times against his former club in just five games.

Pool: Provett, Barron, Nelson, Tinkler, Robson, Humphreys, Strachan, Pouton, Williams, Boyd, Porter. Subs: Konstantopoulos, Craddock, Westwood, Istead, Brackstone.

Read more about Hartlepool here.