ANTONY Sweeney admits Hartlepool United have had a bit of a reality check in League Two this season.

But, after four successive victories to propel them into the top seven, the midfielder - who could again be used as a forward in tonight's home game with Rochdale - believes it's over.

Pools have taken their time to adapt to League Two after three seasons in a higher division.

They lumbered in the lower half of the table before the win at Accrington on November 18 started their charge up the league.

Since then, they've not conceded a goal in 322 minutes and won four on the bounce.

"We have been looking at the league table since day one and it was not nice seeing us in the bottom half,'' he said.

"That is not where we want to be. But we are now in the play-off positions and hoping to stay in that area and push on.

"It has not been the start we wanted, the results have been a bit up and down, but we are still in there.

"It has been a big adjustment coming down to League Two and maybe some of us thought it would be easier than it has turned out.

"We have been knocked down a peg or two but we have got it together. Things are starting to pick up again.''

In the absence of five strikers, Sweeney was paired up front alongside Darryl Duffy for last week's win at Bristol Rovers.

He ended the game on the right flank, but would have no qualms about starting in the forward line this evening.

James Brown is available after a knee injury, but after playing over 80 minutes for the reserves in midweek, two games in 48 hours is a big ask.

"I was absolutely shattered after that last week,'' said Sweeney. "I wasn't expecting to play the full 90 minutes. But it is all in the bank now and it will stand me in good stead in the coming games.

"It was the first time I have played up front at any decent level. I played as a second striker for the youth team on a couple of occasions but nothing like on that sort of stage.

"The gaffer told me to be ready for it if I got the nod and I just went out and tried my best.

"I enjoyed it. You get a lot more kicks up front than you get in midfield.

"The lads you are up against are a bit bigger than the ones you usually face in the middle. I won't be taking the mickey out of the front lads any more!''

Pools have picked up more points away from Victoria Park than in front of their own fans.

They beat Rochdale on penalties last month at home after a goalless 120-minute draw and Sweeney said: "Our home form has always been good on a Friday night and after last Saturday we want to go out and get another win.

"The fans seem to enjoy the Friday nights, they come in their numbers and they are that bit louder. It is generally a cracking atmosphere which helps spur the lads on.

"We have done well in our last three away games (with three wins) and it is great to pick up points away from home.

"But to do anything in this league in terms of promotion you need to have solid home form - that is the most important thing.''