A TOUCH of patience can go a long way to helping Hartlepool United achieve their new year aims, according to Mike Newell.

The Pool boss, whose side lead the Division Three table after successive victories over Carlisle United and Cambridge United, takes his side to Boston United tomorrow knowing 2003 could be a year to remember at Victoria Park.

But he admits that expectations among supporters could hinder their progression and has called on the Pool faithful to be patient as they seek their first league title.

During the New Year's Day win over Carlisle, Pool fell a goal behind, which led to some anxiety among fans, before Graeme Lee and Eifion Williams secured the points.

"I had to ask the lads to be patient against Carlisle,'' he revealed. "I don't want to have a go at the supporters - that's the last thing I need - but they have to understand that teams are going to make it difficult for us between now and the end of the season.

"The atmosphere was a bit flat the other day, maybe you expect that with hangovers and that! But they came in at half-time, had a load of chances, played some decent stuff and yet some are moaning.

"I said that they couldn't let anyone upset them, they had to put it to one side and to be fair to them they did.

"The crowd are going to have to be patient.

"They can have a go at me if they want, but, please we don't want anything reflecting on the lads.''

Skipper Micky Barron is expected to be fit for the Boston game. He has been suffering from a virus this week and lasted just 30 minutes against Carlisle.

However, his replacement Jon Bass impressed and Newell said: "He is a good pro Bassy and I'm really pleased for him. He got a lot of blame for the defeat at Rochdale, but everyone can make mistakes and it was his fault for the third goal - until then he was playing well.

"Just because we lost 4-0 it wasn't down to Jon Bass.

"He has shown a great attitude, he's one of the fittest at the club to be honest.''

* Tomorrow's game is already in doubt due to the heavy rain.

Pool have already made plans on travelling to Lincolnshire this afternoon, although any decision on an inspection is likely to be made tonight.

Read more about Hartlepool here.