ONE final push is what Hartlepool United need now - and perhaps the delayed celebrations can take place as well.

Forget the disappointment of the muted promotion celebrations or that Rushden now hold the destiny of the Division Three title. Because Hartlepool United can still be crowned top dogs. Rushden need to fail to win at Orient this afternoon - and Pool have to be ready to step in.

Mike Newell's side have led the table for nine tenths of the season, seeing their position taken over in the last few days.

But the Victoria Park crowd have a massive part to play today.

Talk of demonstrations against the manager is nothing short of pathetic.

Forget the ill-feeling, this is the supporters chance to show how appreciated the players' efforts have been this season.

They deserve the chance to celebrate after events of the last week put a real dampner on things.

And midfielder Tommy Widdrington, who netted two goals on Easter Monday to treble his goal tally for the season, admits the players are amazed at the negative actions directed towards the manager.

"Credit to the fans because they were really up for it against Rochdale and we hope they are again on Saturday,'' he said.

"I hope that we showed people in the solidarity we showed before the game that we all believe in the manager and Kev - he believes in us as well. The majority of their work has got us where we are now - moving into the Second Division." He added: "Things were a little bit flat around the place on Monday. We all wanted to win again and keep the pressure on at the top as much as we can."

Meanwhile, skipper Micky Barron admits Pool need a touch of luck if he is to be lifting the Third Division championship next week.

Barron and Pool have been overtaken by Rushden in the race for the title and know that nothing less than three points will do and they also need help from Orient who entertain Rushden.

But after a run of just 11 points from 33 games, Pool returned to something like top form in the second half of the Easter Monday game with Rochdale.

And, with the Shrews conceding more goals away from home than any other side in England, Barron wants to see Pool end their home campaign on a deserved high.

"Now all we can do is win on Saturday and hopefully Orient will do us a massive favour," said Barron, who recently signed a new two year contract at the club.

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