COLIN West last night told his Hartlepool United players it is up to them to win over the Victoria Park faithful.

Pool, who entertain Macclesfield this afternoon, have stuttered into League action on home turf, with just one point from three outings.

Two wins and a draw on their travels have given Pool a better start than last season, but with fans not slow to vent their frustration and anger, assistant manager West knows it is time for his side to show their true colours.

"It is up to us as a club and a team to impress the fans,'' he admitted. "I know they will get behind us if we give them something to shout about - we can't expect them to be full of support if we are not playing well.

"Last season we were excellent at home and this run is in total contrast to that. We have been picking up away points and that has helped.

"Last time out we lost at home to Shrewsbury and we didn't perform as well as we can, but against Burnley we put things right.''

Pool won at Blackpool last Saturday, giving their best performance of the season, only to fall at Torquay in midweek.

"Torquay was a let down. We never really got going and let them set the tempo and dictate the pace of the game. Against Macclesfield we have to take charge.

"But we have changed the way we have been playing a little bit as well and are getting the ball forward quicker. We showed against Burnley and Blackpool that it can work.''

Striker Tim Sperrevik could be handed his first League start this afternoon alongside Tony Lormor. Sperrevik impressed on his only start to date against Burnely in the Worthington Cup and West and boss Chris Turner were pleased with the Norwegian at Plainmoor in midweek.

"Tim is adapting to things well,'' said West. "When he first arrived we didn't want to push him too hard because it wasn't just about moving to a new club for him. He had to overcome the language, the move to a new country and realise he is now a full-time footballer instead of playing part-time.

"His fitness was a big factor as we couldn't just put someone in who was not ready. But the crowd have seen what he can do and I know it was the same with Chris Westwood when he first came. He wasn't fit and it was unfair on him to throw him straight in, but now look at how well he has been doing.

"I know how much Tim is enjoying it and he knows he is progressing. He has all the physical attributes and has a chance of making it and we will do everything we can to help him.''

Pool fans are reminded that next week's game at Mansfield is all-ticket. Visiting fans have been allocated 564 tickets with prices at £12 adults and £6 concessions. Tickets are on sale in the club shop where the new home shirt is now on sale