TWO defeats in a row for the first time this season, and Matthew Bates remains as focused as ever. He won’t allow any distractions to divert his attention from his Hartlepool United side.

It doesn’t take much these days for the grumbles to rise amid a sticky spell. But Pools have only lost four games this season, sit just outside the play-off zone and the club is a much more stable operation these days.

Pools are at Bromley today, the first of three long hauls this month with Gillingham next weekend in the FA Cup and then a trek to Dover at the end of November.

Middlesbrough might be at the top of the Championship, but that hasn’t stopped Tony Pulis and his players being criticised.

And Bates admitted: “We all want to win every week, but it’s about staying level. We started well and people’s expectations are on the up.

“But take things back to the start of the season and those expectations weren’t as high as they have become. Journalists didn’t say in pre-season in the main we would be promoted – that tells a story.

“It’s a long season and look where we have come from. We don’t get in the play-offs now, it’s about March-time when the push goes on and we hope to be there come the end of the season.’’

Pools are good enough to make the play-offs and challenge at the top this season and two defeats in a row – Bates has turned the team around in his time in charge.

Losing at Wrexham in midweek came after they were reduced to ten men – Andrew Davies sent-off and he starts a three-game ban today.

But Pools gave it a go in North Wales and Bates admitted :“I was more than pleased with how the second half went and how we coped with ten men. On another day we come away with at least a point.

“We were resilient and were confident we could get something. The shackles were off – one down and with ten men. The message was go and express yourselves and enjoy it. We did and only one team was in it second half.

“We tried to take the pressure off the lads.’’

Pools away form and displays away from the Super 6 Stadium have been impressive. Away support has been very positive all season and Bates wants to reward the home support for their backing.

“It’s a bit frustrating that performances and results have been better away than at home,’’ he admitted. “But it will come at home, I’m sure of it. One big performance there can start us off. It’s nice to do it away from home and the away following has been magnificent all season and that’s down to the performances we have put in as well.

“This won’t be the first time we don’t win in two games, but we don’t want to lose back to back games. It’s happened now, but I would be more disappointed if performances weren’t there.

“We freshened the team up a bit the other night, players came in and did well. Marcus had a chance, and took it. He was unlucky not score. Everyone is training well and Marcus Dinanga has trained well all season. We have a good squad here.’’

Dinanga is likely to start again today, with Myles Anderson in for Davies. Michael Woods (ankle) and Paddy McLaughlin (illness) are doubts.