MIKE Newell got what he asked for from his Hartlepool United players on Saturday.

For the first time since he took over in November, Newell's side kept a clean sheet as they beat Cambridge 3-0 at Victoria Park.

Pool's last shut-out was against York on November 2 - Chris Turner's last game in charge - and Saturday saw a return to the tight defence which helped Pool into a title-chasing position this season.

And after his third victory as Pool boss, Newell said: "We've a couple of home games together and it's a great chance to get into a good position.

"I asked them for a clean sheet because I hadn't had one and it was important to get it. They are as good a side as I have seen this season. The goals they have scored home and away suggests it as well.

"I was really happy with the clean sheet - obviously the win is great as well - but I'm made up with it. I said to them if we kept a clean sheet we would become a difficult team to beat.

"A few other results have gone our way for us which is a bonus but you are not going to do anything in December or January or February, that is the time to keep things going over.

"What is pleasing is the finish to the season the lads have had the last couple of seasons and hopefully that is to come again.''

Pool now entertain Carlisle on New Year's Day.

And on the back of the Boxing Day defeat at Hull, Newell admitted: "Playing a lot of games in a short space of time is hard, really hard, for anybody and most of them played a full game on Thursday.

"It's a mental thing as much as anything and it's hard to get yourself through it, but they were really strong mentally on Saturday.

"They finished the game really strongly and if teams have to come out at us then we will get chances because we are strong going forward and take up the chance to hit teams on the break. We have enough good footballers in the side to cut teams up. Tommy Widdrington kept it ticking over in there and that's what he is good at.

"When you have got 11, 12, 13 good players who are happy and confident, you always have a good chance.''

* The Carlisle game on Wednesday is a 1pm kick-off.