MATTHEW BATES doesn’t get too up or down when it comes to results, but admits his Hartlepool United players were unhappy after picking up a point last night.

Pools, on the back of four successive wins, drew 0-0 with Barrow. It was a somewhat frustrating night for all concerned, as they struggled to break down obdurate opposition.

Pools have moved up into sixth spot in the National League table, still just three points off the top spot, now taken by Harrogate Town. They have only lost once in nine games this season, but should be higher still.

From a positive first-half last night they didn’t get much momentum after the break and were thankful that Barrow missed a penalty late on.

“I’m happy where we are at overall - the lads were almost arguing after the game because they were disappointed,’’ reflected the manager. “Last season we would have been happy with a point at home. That’s the difference to where we are at now.

“Players know when they play well they can beat anyone. We are off a result we didn’t want so it’s miles from talking about the P-word. Let’s just keep doing what we are doing and get some luck with injuries.’’

He added: “At home, it’s points dropped. Another day we win quite comfortably. They had a penalty, but on the balance of 90 minutes we were the better side.

“I was pleased with the performance, first-half especially and played with a tempo to move it quickly. Ryan on the right whipped some great balls in but we didn’t’ convert them.

“They had a penalty and a first-half chance, but that was that for them. Chances created, chances gained we were the better side.

“From a manager’s perspective, I was pleased. Keep playing like that and keep creating we will score goals. It’s great to keep a clean sheet – right goals conceded in nine games, which is promotion statistics.’’

Pools went into the game on the back of a four-game winning run and it means the run of Danny Wilson’s side in 2007, the last time a Pools team won five league games in a row, remains the benchmark. Pools will have more chances to hit it in the coming weeks and months.

Two minutes in and Barrow missed a sitter. Three yards in front of goal and Tyler Smith spooned his finish laughably wide after being teed up by Josh Kay.

It was a fast start to the game. Pools attacked fluently and Michael Woods swept a low finish wide from the edge of the area.

Ryan Donaldson, the right wing-back, drove into the area, going inside and outside defenders, but his finish was into keeper Andrew Firth.

There was plenty of pressure from Pools, and they had four corners without anything coming from them, as they penned the visitors back for long spells, although unable to really test Firth.

First minute aside, the visitors’ final pass was poor and they failed to make inroads at the other end.

Barrow’s obstinate 4-3-2-1 set-up offered Pools little chance to break through as they sat deep and compact.

Bates’ side needed that bit extra to work openings, guilty of taking too many touches before moving the ball on at times.

Luke James fired at goal minutes after the restart, his shot striking Josh Granite on the head. The defender must have been made of stern stuff to keep that shot out.

A swift counter attack, set up by keeper Firth, put the visitors away and, as John Rooney ran at goal, a finely timed tackle from Carl Magnay put an end to the attack.

Pools were trying to stretch the play and find Donaldson wide, but he too was often crowded out.

James turned and tried his luck from 25 yards, slicing his shot wide.

Woods, who scored an injury time winner against Barrow in last season’s fixture, was replaced by Paddy McLaughlin as Pools looked for something different.

Pools didn’t appear to be in a great deal of danger of losing this one, but did they have enough about them to find a goal and win it?

Donaldson ran at the already booked Lee Molyneux, who didn’t dare commit himself. Niko Muir was found, but sidefooted over.

But another surge from midfield this time made the area and a trip on Jack Hindle saw referee Declan Bourne give a penalty.

Hindle powerfully smashed the ball straight up and against the bar from 12 yards. It’s probably still vibrating now, such was the ferocity of the shot.

The miss lifted the crowd, and now Pools needed to up their game.

Referee Bourne continued to bemuse and frustrate, his decision-making bewildering throughout.

“He was poor, I can say that,’’ said Bates. “This is his first year in the league and he is part-time. Decisions there as a manager and ex-player I know were wrong and there should be bookings which weren’t - both teams. It spoils the flow of the game and the standard has to improve.

“Premier League, Championship they are full time and it’s difficult, but I feel the standards have dropped which is disappointing.’’

Muir floated a delightful ball into the area, Noble and Donaldson ran onto it and both were short of knocking it in.

And it summed up Pools evening – regularly just falling short when it mattered.