A FIFTH win on the bounce and Hartlepool United will secure a play-off spot this afternoon. Pool go to Rushden and Diamonds with a five-point advantage over nearest challengers Port Vale.

Securing a play-off place while pushing Rushden into the relegation mire would go some way to avenging last season's Division Three campaign, when the Diamonds won the title in front of their own fans at Pool's expense on the last day of the season.

Pool have come into form at the perfect time and defender Chris Westwood said: "Five points clear is a great position to be in, it's a nice little cushion with three games to come.

"If we win one or others slip up then we are out of reach. It's all down to us.

"It's great time to come into form. First-half last week we might have been a bit apprehensive, but then we got the ball down and started playing like we can.

"Notts County were fighting for their lives and Rushden will be the same.

"It was always going to be difficult, but the first goal decided how the game was going to go.

"We are full of confidence right now and it's going so well.''

Pool, in only their fifth season out of the bottom division, were favorites to be relegated this season.

But instead of heading out of the division through the trap door, they are in with a chance of a second successive promotion.

Westwood said: "Getting in the top six is a real bonus. We were tipped by everyone to go down and, the way the season has gone, getting in the play-offs would be an absolute bonus.

"Teams have looked at us and thought, 'right, they are the new boys in this league, they are going down'. But it's been all about proving people wrong.

"At the start of the season I didn't take much notice of what people were saying, but that's what most pundits said.

"Because we have gone up, people assume we will go right down. I think on the day - maybe apart from QPR - we can beat anyone on their day, even Plymouth.

"Anyone can beat anyone and we have been really consistent. We lost two on the bounce for the first time last month and then won four on the bounce to make up for it.''

Westwood's only goal of last season came in the final game of the campaign at Nene Park. A repeat wouldn't go amiss today.

He said: "I'm claiming an assist for last week for Boydy's first goal and I'm looking for a goal on Saturday.

"I scored there last season. I am determined to get on the scoresheet soon, I really am. I tell you what, it's coming, it's getting there.''

The central defender, named in last season's PFA Division Three team of the year, caused a stir when he arrived at Victoria Park last Saturday with his new haircut. After spending the last few months growing his afro, he had it pinned together last week.

He joked: "I did try what I eventually want to do with it, but it wouldn't work - it's not long enough yet! My sister tried it with some little rings and I was like 'hey, I'll have that'.

"But I promise there is more to come and it will be something special!

"I've had two people offering me a fiver each because I must have won the bet!"

* Pool have agreed a deal to sign Clyde skipper Jack Ross in the summer. His side are on the verge of winning the Scottish First Division title, but Ross, 27, who can play in central midfield or on the right, will move to Victoria Park.

"Jack is a player who I have known from Ross County and he is one I was desperate to bring to this club,'' said Cooper.

* Travelling fans are warned that the A1 will be shut tonight at Wetherby from 9pm so a 500-tonne bridge can be lifted safely into place over the carriageway. The northbound A1 will be closed between Junction 45 (A64) and Mark Lane, north of Wetherby.

Read more about Hartlepool here.