THERE was no let up for Hartlepool United and boss Matthew Bates over the weekend.

After victory at Dagenham on Saturday, Pools headed straight back home, stopping off on the way for a cool-down session at a hotel, before the players were back on the training ground yesterday ahead of this afternoon’s game with Chesterfield.

Pools won their second game in succession, it’s only one defeat in six outings this season, thanks to second-half goals from Michael Woods and Liam Noble.

Bates said: “It’s a busy weekend, a hard weekend for everyone. We are in Sunday to prepare for Monday after travelling back, it’s how it is. We will be doing work for Monday on the bus on the way back Saturday night. A long weekend for everyone, but that’s what it’s about.

“We have a competitive squad with players desperate to play so rotation isn’t a problem.’’

He added: "It's straight back into work, laptop on the way home to prepare for Monday. It’s a tough game with Chesterfield and we want to win every game - home, away, top of bottom that's the outlook.’’

New signing Luke Williams travelled with the squad, but contracted tonsillitis on Friday evening and was not included in the squad. He’s likely to be absent again today and Bates should stick with a winning team.

Pools fell behind on Saturday when a ball down the right channel saw the Daggers get in behind the back three and Elliot Romain tapped in from close range.

Wood hit the bar, but levelled shortly after the restart. A cross from Ryan Donaldson was half-cleared and Woods was handily played 12 yards out to clip a low finish home.

They went ahead from the penalty spot. Noble’s shot was handled in the area and the captain, after missing a spot-kick at Braintree two weeks ago, sent the keeper the wrong way.

Luke James cut inside from wide and fired low against the near post in injury time, but Pools saw it out without any fuss.

Today’s opponents were relegated from League Two last season. New boss Martin Allen has signed former Pools centre-half Michael Nelson and he will start today.

After winning their first three games of the season, they have lost their next three and were beaten at home by Barnet on Saturday.

Bates said after Saturday’s win: "It’s pleasing to come away in this division and win.

"I was disappointed first half we were really poor and words were said at half time. Then we came out and took the points.

"We have recruited good characters, goof people who want to do the best for their teammates, themselves and the club and fans.

"In the end we dealt with their long ball game, but we didn’t first half.

"I think we try and play the right way and we can go long if we need to.

"We saw the game out well, we needed it again and the more we see games out the better we are. We have done a lot of work on it and defending games out in the last ten minutes.

"It's pleasing to see us get the points and being rewarded for what we are working on.’’

Dagenham: Justham, Gordon (Hyde 75), Robinson, Donovan (Reynolds 60), Pennell, Davey, McQueen, Romain, Adeloye (Kandi 60), Wright. Subs (not used): Moore, Hoyte.

Pools: Loach, Kioso, Magnay, Anderson, Donaldson, Featherstone, Woods (McLaughlin 86), Noble, Kitching, Muir (Dinanga 90), James. Subs (not used): Catterick, Laing, Newton.

Booked: Anderson, Kioso, Magnay.