LEON McSweeney has had enough of trying to prove himself time and time again at Hartlepool United.

And, after his midweek efforts earned a victory at Tranmere, the winger is out to extend his run in the first-team, and help Pools in the FA Cup along the way.

It was the Irishman’s corner in midweek which led to home goalkeeper Peter Gulasci punching the ball into his own net.

He’s started nine of the last 12 games and, with Yeovil at Victoria Park today in round two of the competition, he admitted: “I’m quite pleased with my own form.

“I seem like I’ve had to convince Mick (Wadsworth) I’m worthy of a place – I always seem to be proving myself.

“I will keep plugging away.

As a winger, you don’t see so much of the ball and it’s up to you when you get the ball and get a chance to put a good delivery in.

“I played right back at times last season. It was a frustrating season on so many levels.

It ended well, so I came back for pre-season and I wanted to push on – yet for some reason my face didn’t fit again.

“Thankfully I’ve convinced the gaffer I can do a job for him and hopefully that will help the team get results as well.’’ Last season McSweeney was in and out of Chris Turner’s side and even reverted to right back to find a spot in the side.

That got him a run in the starting XI for the last ten games, soon reverting to his preferred attacking role.

There is more of a determination within the squad this season and, under Wadsworth, the team have become much harder to beat – especially on the road.

“We are sick of being the nearly men, but we have a bit of grit about us this season,’’ said McSweeney.

“We seem to be more determined and organised. When we need to dig in, we can do it.

“There is a belief among us, I think we still need to nail down a few aspects of the team, but as a group we are confident. We believe in looking up instead of looking over our shoulders.

“It’s a tight league and with a good run, before you know it you are in the top ten.

“Last season we lost too many away from home, but that’s gone. We don’t want a repeat of it. We have proved it by digging in this season away from home when we have had to.’’ Wadsworth, in his first game in caretaker charge, has already overseen a win over Yeovil this season.

That 2-0 win at Huish Park was in August after Chris Turner’s exit.

The Glovers have taken only one point from 21 and Wadsworth admitted: “It’s a chance to make the big round, then anything could happen – a non league club or Manchester United.

“That’s the attraction, I would love it to happen.

“We welcome a home tie against anyone, you cannot take league form into this.

The competition doesn’t obey those rules.

“We beat Brighton well on the day, yet struggled to see off Vauxhall Motors, that’s the cup.’’ He added: “We won down there this season, but that means nothing.

“They know more about us now, but I know more about my players now than I did then.

“We prepare as best we can.

They have some good players, but they have had some poor results. We have to be ready.

“Our home form has got better and we have been better in the last month.

Sheffield Wednesday was a one-off when we played suicide football and we have been pretty tight.

“I have a better handle on this group of players, I know what they can do.’’ ■ Pools are again appealing for volunteers to help clear Victoria Park this morning.

Groundstaff covered both goal areas during Thursday night and the pitch is soft under the covers.

The club now need help from the public to clear the snow and also make safe the terraced areas of the ground and surrounding areas.

Plenty of snow was cleared yesterday, but fans are asked to report to the main reception at Victoria Park from 8.30am.

■ Pools game with Notts County, washed out after three minutes at Victoria Park earlier this month, has been rearranged for Tuesday, January 25, 2011.