WHATEVER happens this season, Hartlepool United have had a campaign to be proud of.

Saturday's comfortable win at Rushden makes a play-off spot look assured.

Pool are five points ahead of Port Vale with only six to play for.

And, after being written off by all and sundry at the start of the season, Pool have answered the critics in the best manner.

Eifion Williams netted his 14th of the season to put Pool in front in the second period and the Welshman said: "We are all playing well now and five wins in a row at this stage of the season is a great achievement.

"It's all down to us now, if we get in the play-offs then great, but even if we don't we can all look back on a great season. Let's look forward to the last two league games and see what comes. We work hard for each other and it's a good time to be playing right now.''

He added: "It's unreal to be where we are. I thought we fully controlled the game. They had a goal disallowed, but we fully deserved the win.

"It was nice to go and win at Rushden, but we never really discussed last year before the game. We went at them and they let us play our game.

"We kept the ball well, kept it moving and got our break.

"I was asked to go on the right and then scored not long after - it's one of those things. It was a great ball in by Ritchie (Humphreys), (Adam) Boyd left it for me and it was nice to score a goal again.

"Boydy is playing very well again and it's great for him to come back and do what he is. Every game he plays, he is scoring goals and he is a local lad as well.

"I had a run like that before and I know what the feeling is like, but I've gone a few games before this one without scoring, so it's great to get a goal again.''

* Pool's last home game of the League season against Plymouth on Saturday is not all-ticket, but fans are advised to buy tickets in advance. The trip to Swindon on Saturday, May 8 is all-ticket for away fans and Pool have been given 2,200 spaces.

Read more about Hartlepool here.