HARTLEPOOL United's unbelievable season still has some way to go.

That's the defiant message from boss Mike Newell as Pool go into the final two games of the campaign with the destiny of the Division Three title out of their own hands for the first time.

Pool now trail Rushden by four points and if Brian Talbot's side win at Orient on Saturday, then the final showdown of the season on May 3 will be irrelevant.

A run of just 11 points from a possible 33 since March 1 has proved Pool's downfall - during the same period Rushden have taken 29 points in the same period, losing just one and winning nine times from 12 games. Pool were an unbackable 1-12 at the start of the run, with Rushden 8-1, but the odds have been reversed with Rushden now 1-16 and Pool 7-1.

But Newell, who was criticised by fans during and after Monday's 2-2 draw with Rochdale said: "There is no disappointment or thinking that our chances are over because they have to go to Orient and win and then try to stop us from winning.

"There are two games left and we are four points behind - if they don't win on Saturday and we win the last two we will win the title.

"I don't mind criticism and fans shouting for my head, it's disappointing, but it's not right when it deflects onto the players, especially when they have had such a successful season.

"It is not over yet and I can't believe our season has fizzled out the way it did on Saturday. So until it is beyond us, I don't believe it is beyond us. They can shout for me and I can take that and the criticism.''

Promotion was marked with a muted response after a 4-0 defeat at Scunthorpe on Saturday. No team has ever been promoted in the face of such abuse from supporters and Newell admitted: "It is very difficult to celebrate when you lose 4-0.

"The fans have known we were going to promoted for a long time, but we haven't said anything about it.

"We are going to be playing in Division Two next season and the title isn't finished yet, but people have given up.

"We won't give it up. I don't believe it is over yet, we have to believe it isn't.''

Meanwhile, former boss Chris Turner admits he was half expecting a reunion with his old club next season. Sheffield Wednesday's relegation to the Second Division was confirmed on Monday when they drew at Brighton - and Pool's promotion from Division Three means they will be reunited next season.

"There was always a chance that Hartlepool would go up and we would go down,'' he admitted.

"It took three-and-a-half years to build a good side at Hartlepool, but we can build a promotion side at Wednesday too.

"I told the players that if they gave their last manager in the previous 23 games before I came everything they have given me, the club wouldn't be where it is today.

"I have turned this club from one with a losing culture into one that works its socks off and hangs in there.

"I'm confident we'll be in a position to challenge for the Second Division title in 12 months' time.''

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