FOR TREVOR Carson it wasn’t quite the return to action he wanted or planned.

Back far sooner than anticipated following January shoulder surgery, the Hartlepool United goalkeeper was beaten once as Pools lost at Cheltenham.

Defeat means that they have to beat Doncaster on Saturday in a game televised live on Sky Sports. Rovers can win the League Two title on Saturday, Pools can be relegated.

And Carson admitted: “Their keeper got man of the match which says it all about the game.

“For my first game back, I couldn’t ask for a quieter game. It’s just the same old story - a lapse in concentration and we’re on the back foot chasing the game.

“We did everything but score and it’s just frustrating.

“We’ve come off with our heads down but got the boost that Newport have been beat again, so it’s down to us now.

“There’s literally no more chances after next week.

“We need things to go for us and we need to do the business ourselves.”

And the Northern Ireland keeper, hoping to be included in the squad for next month’s internationals, added: “The fans were amazing from the warm-up. They were unbelievable and out-sang the Cheltenham fans.

“Their appreciation for us at the end and our appreciation for them says it all. You can see the togetherness and we’re very grateful for it.

“Unfortunately we couldn’t give them a point or three points to go home with and we apologise for that.”

Carson was beaten in the first half by a close range header, but had little to do afterwards.

He added: “It was a strange game because I would have liked something early on to get me into the game.

“I think the first thing I did was pick the ball out of the net.

“The pitch wasn’t great and luckily I didn’t have a lot to do.

“I’m looking forward to next week at our ground with our fans behind us.

“On a personal note it’s great to be back.”