PAUL Stephenson's Hartlepool United remain outside the League One drop zone after Saturday's results went in their favour.

Of their immediate relegation rivals, only Blackpool won - against Yeovil - to ensure that Friday's point from their draw with Oldham moved them from the drop zone.

Stephenson has won two and drawn three of his five home games to date.

But admits he is trying to comprehend how he hasn't taken at least ten points from those 12 available.

"Against Doncaster, we conceded a world class strike with a minute to go, we had a chance against Barnsley in the last minute and on Friday we had a goal ruled out for offside and a penalty decision go against us.

"It's hard to comprehend, but I know that these lads are all good players.

"Friday was a great bounce-back performance - we had just lost 3-0 to the leaders and this result could have been three.''

He added: "It was a point gained on Friday, it moved us above that line and if we had lost it would have been real pressure on us.

"I was proud of the players on Friday , effort was spot on and we showed quality.

"When I took this job, a good friend said we needed a bit of Lady Luck, but that seems to have deserted us at the moment. Two key decisions went against us.

"In my opinion the penalty decision was unfair - Lee Bullock's arms were by his side.

"We had a goal ruled out, but I don't really want to comment on it. We were away thinking we were in front and really cooking. It didn't happen, but let's get on with it.''

Pool go to Swindon on Saturday in a game they cannot afford to lose.

And, without a win away from home since October, Stephenson wants to see his players take their home performances on the road.

"When we go away from home now we have to take that performance with us,'' he said. "We have showed what we are capable of.

"It was a very good performance, and we have had some top grade performances at home. They have the crowd behind them now and you don't get that unless you are giving them something.''

* Joel Porter should find out today the extent of the injury which forced him off the pitch on Friday. Stephenson said he was suffering from a hamstring strain, but there are fears he has suffered a recurrence of the knee injury which has plagued him all season.

* Jon Daly scored his second goal on loan from Bury on Saturday - a header against former club Stockport - since his move from Pool.

Read more about Hartlepool here.