Carl Magnay: Players appreciate support of the Hartlepool United's army of fans

But tonight they can enjoy the relatively short (90 miles) trip to Carlisle United.

The supporters have had five monster outings in the last eight matches, going to Bristol Rovers, Barnet, Newport, Crawley and Leyton Orient.

And with the painful exception of a Tuesday night drubbing at the hands of Darrell Clarke’s Pirates, the journeys have at least all been rewarding.

The last two awaydays to Crawley and Orient have seen 202 and 359 in the away section and there promises to be a bumper turn out tonight at Brunton Park.

And defender Carl Magnay told SportMail that the players appreciate the unstinting backing of the blue and white army.

“I couldn’t believe my eyes at Newport on a Tuesday night there was a big group of Poolies there,” said the 27-year-old, who has formed a quarter of the rock-solid back four alongside Matthew Bates, Adam Jackson and Jake Carroll.

“Until recently, there has not been a great deal to shout about, but their commitment has been absolutely amazing.

“They have stuck with us through thick and thin.

“Every man in this squad appreciates that.

“Wherever we go, no matter how far, there are lots of fans there supporting us.

“Last Monday was a fantastic atmosphere at Leyton Orient and it was nice to send them home happy.

“I can certainly speak on behalf of the squad to give them thanks.

“It’s nice now we have some closer trips to enjoy, Carlisle, Morecambe on Saturday and Notts County next Tuesday.

“We are in good form and we’ll be looking to give them more wins.”

Pools are unbeaten in four awaydays with clean sheets in all of them.

Indeed, they have gone 394 minutes on their travels without conceding a goal.

“It’s going great for us at the moment,” he added. “We’re going out there thinking we can win every game.”