RITCHIE Humphreys is getting a new buzz from football these days - keeping clean sheets.

After dropping into defence this season following injuries to Hugh Robertson and Matty Robson, Hartlepool United's club captain has played more games in defence than he has in midfield.

Ever-present in Football League games since moving to Pool in 2001, Humphreys has been part of the rejuvenated side which has taken five points in keeping three clean sheets in their last three games.

Without a game today - scheduled opponents Colchester face Chelsea in the FA Cup - Pool have a free weekend before Doncaster Rovers visit Victoria Park in seven days' time.

"We have gone on a little bit of a run and you always want to keep that going,'' he said.

"It also means that the other teams are all playing and we have to sit back and see what they are doing.

"But I think the break is a good thing for us.

"We can rest our legs a bit. There are a few lads who have been playing with little knocks or strains and it gives them a chance to rest up.

"We are going into an important part of the season and it will be vital to have everybody fit and available.

"It has also been quite an intense time over the last month or so and maybe the lads can spend a bit of time with their families and come back fit and relaxed and ready to go for the run-in.

"It has been a difficult time but I think the lads have come through it.

"Yes, we don't want to be where we are in the table but I think the way we have pulled together in recent weeks will stand us in good stead for the rest of the season.

"We had an important draw at Rotherham and then followed it up with a really big result against Chesterfield, which was a massive relief for everybody.

"Now we have dug out a good point at Tranmere.

"Hopefully we can build on these results and keep this little run going."

After the departure of Martin Scott, Paul Stephenson has impressed everyone in his caretaker role.

There's been no indication from anyone over how long the youth team coach will stay in command but he's already made a big impression on both performances and results.

And Humphreys admitted the well-documented team spirit at Victoria Park has played a part.

He said: "It has been difficult the last few weeks but the lads have responded since the Blackpool game.

"We have been positive, worked hard in training and pulled together and that is five points from three tough games and three clean sheets.

"We thought the game at Tranmere was there for us to get three points but it is always a tricky away game.

"We just could not get that final ball in the last third but I think we passed it around quite well, especially in the first half.

"In the end it was a good point and the good thing is we have another clean sheet.

"We started really brightly and we always say if you can get the back door shut you have a chance of getting something at the other end.

"It was a good away performance. It wasn't a nice night, it was cold and wet and hopefully the people that came down from Hartlepool went away happy with the point."

Pool fans have been warned by the club about a mobile phone operation which has been aimed at supporters.

A spokesman said: "The leaflet campaign urges fans to back the club by signing up to a text service but we can confirm that this venture is nothing at all to do with Hartlepool United.

"Please be aware that subscribing to these unofficial numbers can often lead to large phone bills and we urge all fans to show caution before entering into any agreement.''

Derby are poised to sign Charlton striker Kevin Lisbie on loan next week after failing to rush through the deal in time for the match with Norwich at Carrow Road.

Read more about Hartlepool here.