DAVE Challinor wants to see more of his players follow the example of Nicky Featherstone.

The often unappreciated midfielder scored on Saturday to give Hartlepool United a kick start as they trailed 2-0 at home to Boreham Wood.

He has been a mainstay in the side this season and the signing of Gus Mafuta has given him more of a licence to roam and use the ball rather than sit in front of the back four, as has been the norm in recent seasons.

Challinor said: “Feaths has taken a bit of stick from the fans over his time here. To some degree it’s done him good. If he makes mistakes, he moves on, doesn’t let it affect him and we need more like that.

“If people are disappointed then it’s water off a duck’s back because you need that mentality to perform in an environment where there is expectation.

“He’s been involved in big moments on Saturday. He pops up with a goal to get us back in the game and gets the crowd back with us.

Ahead of this evening’s game, against a team Pools drew with at Victoria Park recently, Challinor admitted: “It’s one defeat in eight now and you look at the last two games – two up last week and should have won, this week two down and drew. We are probably one point worse off than we should be.

“It’s about keeping runs going and if we can win on Tuesday then the last two points have a different perspective. Three points make a massive difference in this league and we hopefully go to Chesterfield on Tuesday and make Saturday’s point a better one.’’

Myles Anderson has left Pools on loan. The centre-half has gone to Aldershot until the turn of the year, but is unlikely to return to Victoria Park and will turn his loan deal into a permanent one.

Pools will face Harrogate three times in the space of 19 days after being paired up in the FA Trophy.

Pools go to North Yorkshire on Saturday, December 14 in the competition – and they head back there on Boxing Day before taking them on again at Victoria Park on January 1.

Challinor won the competition at Wembley with AFC Fylde last season.