TWO down, eight to go. Andrew Davies showed he can be more than a defender and he has set himself a double figure target for the season.

The Hartlepool United captain scored two strong headers to end a run of three successive home draws.

He then set his sights on scoring ten this campaign.

If the delivery into the area can be as crisp as it was on Saturday then there’s no reason why he can’t.

But after netting two, he should have had three. As he ran to meet another tasty delivery in front of the Town End, he was ready to take the ball home. First, however, he needed to connect and he lost sight of it.

"I genuinely did fancy myself when I went up,’’ he admitted.

"I thought if the ball comes in I can get on the end of it, but it just got caught in the sun and I ended up having a volley as well. I don't know what I'd have done if I'd scored a hat-trick, it would have been funny whatever I'd have done.

"It was just nice to have won and seen the lads bouncing around the dressing room, that gives me the biggest pleasure.’’

Davies ended a spell of Super 6 Stadium frustration with his goals. Boss Matthew Bates had spoken of the need to get a second goal, to build on what they have got and finish off teams.

After Davies’ opener, he still had to wait until the 82nd minute before the second goal meant everyone was able to relax.

Boreham Wood, who have now lost four in a row, didn’t make it easy for Pools from the off. Big and firm, they have a team built for the physical nature of the division. Last season when they visited they were just as big, but not as niggly this time.

Their manager, to his credit, admitted this was a much improved Pools on their last visit. “They are a good side, a different beast to last year and have recruited ever so well in the summer – their nous, knowledge and intelligence to see out the game was fantastic,’’ said Luke Garrard.

Seeing out games has been a problem at times for Pools this season, but not on this occasion.

"It was a great day for myself and the team,’’ reflected Davies. "Saturday was one of our most pleasing wins. At Halifax, we passed and moved and looked great.

"Opposition teams are not going to let us pass them off the park and it showed we can do the ugly side as well, which is a massive boost for the lads.

"This wasn't easy, but credit to the boys, we dug deep and got the win.’’

In the opening 20 minutes, the most interesting aspect was trying to work out what combination of line dancing the visitors were planning when they were stood in the Pools area to attack a dead ball.

Their chances came to nothing and it was Pools who had the first chances, three in quick succession. Mark Kitching met Luke James’ cross and the visiting keeper kept out his effort with his legs, Liam Noble made a hash of the follow up which led to Niko Muir trying to backheel home.

A short corner saw Michael Woods and Noble combine for the latter to cross. Davies was on the move in the area and at the far post held off Tom Champion to head home.

To clinch the game, Davies again was the Champion, keeping the visiting captain at arm’s length to turn a tidy header from Muir’s fine ball into the far side of the net.

Referee Gareth Rhodes denied Davies and Pools the most blatant of penalties when Davies was climbed on by Jamal Fyfield in the area. The visiting defender was all over the scorer like a cheap suit, but Davies – after looking like he was to blow for a spot-kick – felt the challenge was fair.

From then on the York official had a nightmare. Luke James charged into the area, his shot turned around the post by keeper Ellery Balcombe. Rhodes was unsure what to award. Another time he was looking straight at the ball when it rolled out of play, and had to look at his assistant, 40 yards away on the opposite side of the pitch, for some much-needed help.

Players of both sides, the crowd and the referee’s assessor were all known to be bewildered by his performance. If Sunderland fans think the standard of officials in League One is poor, then they should try looking at the National League.

Luke James was a terrier all afternoon, denied by Balcombe on two occasions and deserved a goal. He is away with England C this week and faces a Slovenia Under-23 side at Leyton Orient on Wednesday.