I don't usually do this, but some players have been getting a little more credit than maybe they deserve and vice versa. (in my humble opinion.) Mind you, all ratings have been automatically augmented by at least a couple of points due to an away victory and clean sheet.

Lee-Barrett - 9 - Kept his first ever clean sheet for Pools and barely put a foot wrong. Once or twice left a ball which he may have come out for but some quality saves more than made up for that. Needs to keep up that form from now on, his decision making is the crucial factor.

McCunnie - 8 - Delighted to see him back. Never in any great danger from their winger. Maybe could have gotten forward more often but hopefully we'll see this at home. Looks for a pass every time, rather than a hoof.

Nelson - 8 - Back to his solid best. Looks very comfortable along side Collins and I think the role of not having to play the predominant centre half suits him down to the ground. He can get on and concentrate on his own game and did so with success.

Collins - 10 - My man of the match. Won everything in the air, dominated the attack and could prove to be one of Danny Wilson's greatest signings. It would be hard to argue for a different centre half pairing based on tonight's display.

Humphreys - 8 - Another solid performance from Mr. Consistency. Again, could have gotten forward more but we will see that if Monkhouse gets a run in the team, especially at home.

Altogether, one of the most assured defensive displays for some time. As a unit, they looked co-ordinated and comfortable. Lapses of concentration that have become commonplace recently were few and far between. A derserved clean sheet.

Sweeney - 9 - Really starting to play well on the right. Runs forever and gets into goal scoring positions. Needs more support on the wing at times but a great game.

Boland - 7 - I am not a Boland fan at all but he did quite well tonight. Made some good tackles and hardly gave the ball away. I think he lacks a cutting edge and is prone to errors, however he put in a good shift and helped win the midfield battle. It was also the first time I have seen him come and applaud the away fans at the end.

Liddle - 9 - This display shows he is capable of cutting it at a higher level. Full of energy, bite in his tackles and classy when he has the ball. Needs to work on his shooting but at least he is taking the odd pot shot nowadays. The best midfielder on the pitch easily.

Monkhouse - 6 - Over the moon that he was given a start and he showed glimpses of what we've been missing. Still a bit rusty and drifted out of the game for long periods. I can't remember him trying to take on the full back which is either down to a lack of match fitness or lack of confidence. Should have scored in the first minute but was unlucky with a great header in the second half. He needs a run in the team to regain his confidence but has got to show a bit more to justify his place.

Over all, the midfield also had one of their better games as a unit. They won lots of the mini individual battles and eventually held strong when under pressure. They were maybe a little short of creativity but that is probably understandable given our current predicament. That said, we created plenty of chances and I expect even more at home on Saturday.

Barker - 5 - Didn't really figure in the twenty minutes he was on the pitch. Hope the injury isn't too bad.

Mackay - 9 - Ran his backside off, put the defence under constant pressure and was a real live wire all night. His goal will be a contender for goal of the season and well worthy of winning any game. Could do with a little more composure when the ball is at his feet but that will come with experience. Given a chance to impress and grabbed it with both hands.

Subs:

Porter - 8 - I was expecting him to start the match and was pleased he got an early chance to get on the pitch. Joel is probably my favourite player but he needs to cut out the huge amount of needless errors in his recent performances. He was caught offside for a couple of goal kicks which is schoolboy stuff. Kept running into trouble when it seemed as if a pass was the better option. He was also a class above at times and his turn to set up the goal was brilliant. He put in plenty of effort and I think a run in the side is a must now.

Foley - 6 - He is quite good with the ball at his feet and a good weapon to bring on in the last twenty minutes to run at defences, but got too many balls played in the air to him and was brushed off too easily.


As I've said the marks are probably a bit over inflated but sod it, we have won away and kept a clean sheet. We are certainly capable of better but that will come if the confidence comes back. The main difference last night was the lack of individual errors and you could see the team grow in confidence as the game went on. We did seem to sink back into our shell after we scored, probably only natural, but there is plenty to build on and should give us a great boost for Saturday.

Danny Wilson has got to start with the line up that did the damage (ie Porter for Barker) and give the team that bit of consistency that has been lacking in recent starting line ups. Iwon't be so bold as to say we will challenge for the play-offs on this performance but if we can keep it at this level for the rest of the season we will certainly be closer to the top six than the bottom six.

That was a great read. Cheered me up no end.

It was good to see an away victory for the first time in a while! Foley doesnt run at people enough for me. Likes to cut in too much, looks desperately short on confidence. Hopefully for him, and us, he can get a goal to his name sooner rather than later and go on to be a regular scorer for Pools