FOUR games unbeaten have raised spirits and belief at Victoria Park, now it's time to step on and ensure the threat of relegation is avoided.

Hartlepool United meet Huddersfield tonight and three points for Paul Stephenson's side will lift them away from the drop zone ahead of tomorrow's League One programme.

Victory over the title-chasers would give Pool a big lift after just one win in 13 games, but a line has been drawn under the previous regime's results.

With Stephenson at the helm, Pool haven't lost and confidence and belief has been restored.

And, with the return to fitness and form of Adam Boyd, Pool are getting back to their best form.

"We're unbeaten in four now and hopefully we can carry it on,'' said defender Micky Nelson. "We've only conceded one in the last four games, so if we do that in each set of four we won't be far away.

"I think Boydy has looked sharper in every game, all he needs now is goals and the goal he got last time out will help him no end.

"If you are keeping clean sheets, but not scoring, you can expect a draw, but with someone like him up front - last season he was scoring at will - it makes things easier for everyone and can help us turn draws into wins.

"In the last four games, the football we have played has been a lot more positive, we have got the ball down and passed it and we are looking forward to every game now.''

The big defender added: "It is the most consistent we have been all season, certainly. And when you are playing well, your confidence improves and with it comes the results, then you enjoy it more.

"Every club in the world has a bad season every now and again and this club has had six very good seasons in a row. This season we are having what most teams would consider an average season.

"If you take one average season from six good ones, you can't go wrong.''

Pool have conceded just one goal in the last four games, when Doncaster grabbed a spectacular last minute leveller in their last game 13 days ago.

That defensive record has been down to the Nelson's improved form and a solid understanding forged with Ben Clark.

The pair started the season together but had to wait another 30 games to be reunited.

"We played against Bradford on the first day of the season and I've played with six other central defenders this season,'' said Nelson. "I think we have gelled together since Paul Stephenson took charge and we understand each other more and more each game.''

Stephenson could tonight hand David Foley a recall. He scored twice for the reserves on Wednesday in their 5-1 win against Scunthorpe and could form a three-pronged attack with Boyd and Eifion Williams.

Stephenson lined up with that formation on his first game in charge, a 1-0 win over Chesterfield three weeks ago.

Michael Proctor is also pushing for a recall. He scored a hat-trick in a friendly win last week and has impressed Stephenson in training.

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