Hartlepool United’s players have set standards, don’t let them slip

GREAT SCOTT:. Scott Fenwick celebrates his equaliser for Hartlepool United against Tranmere Rovers at Prenton Park

Moore said the squad have now set their own high standards following the 1-1 draw at Tranmere Rovers and have to match that level for the rest of the campaign.

Pools fell behind in the 12th minute to a Kayode Odejayi strike but bounced back quickly through Scott Fenwick’s close range finish two minutes later.

Fenwick was later taken off with an arm injury but Moore’s side continued to carve out the best chances and should have come away with all three points.

The draw left Pools nine points from safety, while relegation rivals Rovers climbed a place to 21st.

“That was the best performance since I came in because it was a longer performance, it wasn’t just a 45 minute spell,” said Moore.

“The injury [to Scott Fenwick] killed the game a little bit but the performance was the best I’ve had from any side for a long time.

“We were the better side and we are really disappointed we have gone away without winning.

“We said at half-time we have been here before, been good first half and then done nothing.

“But we carried it over and it was an outstanding performance.

“I don’t think many people will think we are bottom of the league on that performance.

“We had worked hard in training on our shape and it came off.

“The players have set the standards now, no falling back to what they have been.

“Our fans will go home happy but disappointed we didn’t win the game and we showed pride, effort, determination and commitment.

“There’s bit to work to do but we are moving in the right direction.”

Odejayi’s opener was a poor goal to concede, with the striker given far too much time and space to pick his spot from 15-yards.

Moore was disappointed with that but pleased with their quick response to going 1-0 down.

He added: “I was disappointed with the goal we conceded because it was naive again.

“It went out for a throw in and then we switched off, the ball came into our box and we had three defenders there and he scored the goal - that was disappointing.

“Then we got back into the game very quickly, which helped and from then on I thought we deserved to win the game.”