WITH four strikers at his disposal, Matthew Bates has options up front for Hartlepool United.

In midweek all the attackers got a chance against Gillingham in the FA Cup; now he needs them scoring to give the team a National League lift.

After four successive defeats in the division, Pools are at Dover today, the team bottom of the table.

Pools have only 21 goals in 20 games in the league this season, nowhere near enough for a sustained play-off push.

Tyrone O’Neill scored in midweek, his first senior goal after moving on loan from Middlesbrough, while another temporary signing, Marcus Dinanga gave his sharpest performance since he arrived from Burton in the summer.

Both loanees are at Pools until January.

“We saw the best out of Marcus the other night, he was great and we set up wanting him to get across the pitch and he has a good engine,’’ reflected Bates.

“Luke James put another shift in as ever and he must have the most shots on target and he needs one to go in, not for his own confidence because he’s a confident lad who will keep going, but for everyone to see him scoring.

“Tyrone came on and scored and that will settle him down a bit.

“Marcus has been a slow burner, he found it hard with the tempo we train and the rough and tumble of the National League, but we have been patient with him to get the best out of him and he’s here for another six weeks or so.

“He’s here until January and we will assess the situation in January when his initial loan is up.’’

Today’s opposition, where ex-Pools midfielder Nicky Southall has been appointed No 2 to Andy Hessenthaler, who left Eastleigh recently to return to the club, are bottom of the table.

“Dover have a new manager in who knows the division and they are in a dog fight – the manager won’t allow them to slip up,’’ said Bates.

“Let’s use this huge disappointment from Wednesday to go there and be positive. That’s what we have to do. Being honest, if someone offered beat Dover or Gillingham then I would beat Dover because the National League is what counts.’’

Pools were seconds from beating Gillingham in the FA Cup in midweek, but lost 4-3 in extra-time. The performance was much improved on recent shows, last weekend’s home defeat to Barnet was especially disappointing, and Bates said: “Wednesday was a good performance, and the display, attitude, all the buzz words were there. But sometimes football isn’t’ nice and it wasn’t the other night. This group will keep going and we need points.’’

Andrew Davies is a doubt today, the centre-half forced off in midweek.

Bates said: “Andrew has a nerve problem from his back down to his calf, he’s struggled a couple of days and he didn’t train this week but wanted to help out. He stopped before it got worse and we assess him.

“I said from day one when we signed him that he’s the best defender in the league and when we miss him it’s massive for us – when he’s not there it affects us and I’m not going to lie. It’s a problem he’s had for years, but knows how to treats it. He felt it the other day and hasn’t trained and you can see what he gives us. He came off because he felt it and didn’t want to make it worse.

“He knows where we are right now, he’s honest and as brave as they come. He wants to help us get better and improve.

Michael Woods will make his Harrogate return today against Braintree, after ending his four-year spell at Pools this week.

The attacking midfielder was expected to leave in the summer amid interest from MK Dons and first Exeter, but stayed at the club. However, boss Matthew Bates allowed him to go when Harrogate made an approach.

Woods said: “Talks were on for a couple of days. I was here a few years ago and it’s a much different place now.

“I’m happy to come and be a part of things. I had come out of football after injuries and got a chance here a few years ago and I loved every minute of my time here.

“I know what the gaffer here is about and the club has achieved a lot in a short space of time. The progression is remarkable.

“I’ll work hard and I like to create. I got a few goals last year and want to add to that. I can’t wait to get started and the excitement is massive.’’