BEN CLARK believes Hartlepool United showed on Saturday how much avoiding relegation means to the squad.

Tranmere's win at MK Dons means Pool are fourth bottom in League One going into the last day, but can stay up with victory over Port Vale on Saturday.

And, after upsetting the odds with a late leveller at Griffin Park, Pool have every belief they can beat the drop on the final day of the season.

"It's so strange to think we scored and still weren't safe from relegation,'' he said. "We didn't know what had been going on until we got back in the dressing room.

"I think we had to win this game to keep ourselves in it, but we drew and still have a good chance.

"We knew a draw might not have been enough to take it to the last game, but Micky got a great goal right at the end and it has been enough.

"I know it's a draw, but it felt like a win. We certainly didn't deserve to lose the game - I don't think it was the greatest game I've ever seen, but it was one which we couldn't have lost.

"When they scored it looked all over, but we showed what we are all about and Nelse pops up with another great goal. It's that sort of spirit and fight to the end which could prove so important.'' Clark and defensive partner Nelson had a tough afternoon against Marcus Gayle and Callum Willock, but they came through it with honours.

He said: "They are a physical team, one which likes to get the ball forward quickly and they never stop going - their gaffer gets them up for it but we knew that and we knew what they are about and we coped with them well.

"It's a very loud and passionate crowd here as well, but our fans were brilliant at the far end. To bring so many to get behind us in our situation is fantastic and we all appreciate it.

"I think you could see what it meant at the end when we scored in front of them.

"It couldn't have come at a better time - I'm sure Nelse will tell everyone that he scores like that all day in training, but I can tell you all he doesn't!

"It was a great finish and just what we needed. Now we need one more effort and it might be enough for us to stay up.'' * Micky Barron needed a dozen stitches in a head wound after being clattered by Sam Sodje while Darrell Clarke suffered concussion in a challenge by the defender.