CHRIS Turner last night stressed the importance of Hartlepool United's next five fixtures.

Pool go to Oxford today, the first of a testing period which also includes a derby with Darlington at Victoria Park on September 14.

They also go to Swansea next Saturday and entertain Lincoln (September 17) before going to Bury on September 21.

After a successful start to the season - Pool have ten points from five games and sit in second spot with the best defensive record in the division - Turner explained: "I said after the Torquay game that it takes ten or 12 games before we get to see the best of the team, but I thought there were signs of it against Hull on Monday.

"I know Hull haven't started the season well, but they are always a threat and I'm sure they will be there at the end of the season. It takes time to gel together and learn to play as a team.

"Last season we signed a number of players and then it took time for us to get going. That's the good thing about this season, we have kept the same squad together.

"We've had a solid start, with ten points from five games and that's the average I want this season - two points from every game.

"Now we have to see what the next five games will bring. If we can carry on this form and return, it will stand us in good stead for the season.''

Striker Eifion Williams netted his first Pool goals on his first start for Pool at the Kassam Stadium last season.

Welsh frontman Williams moved to Pool for £30,000 in March and he now has five goals in ten League starts after his seasonal opener at Victoria Park on Monday.

Turner said: "It was pleasing to see both strikers score on Monday. Eifion Williams works very, very hard across the line and it's good to get him off the mark.

"He is a tremendous signing for this club. He is a great striker at this level.

"He was very unfortunate not to score at Torquay last Saturday and his pace up front will cause problems for defenders.

"His goal on Monday was a real striker' s goal - give him a sniff in the six-yard box and he will score.

"Both strikers will score plenty of goals this season and we will create more chances as the games come by.

"It's good to have Paul Smith back because he gives us another option with his delivery and there is still more to come from him.''

Turner has the option to revert to a 3-5-2 line-up today, after playing 4-4-2 against Hull and playing three at the back at Torquay seven days ago.

He said: "It helps us when the opposition come at us at home and try and attack rather than sit back, but not many teams, however they play, will be able to cope with the way we played on Monday.

"There will be times when we switch formation away from home, not to go defensive, but it gives us a little bit of extra insurance in midfield.

"We have players who can be flexible and play different formations."

Read more about Hartlepool here.