Pools have not managed a shut out in their four league games this season – conceding late goals at Peterborough last Saturday and in their two home ties against Stockport County and Colchester United.

The lack of clean sheets is all the more remarkable because of the imposing form of centre halves Michael Nelson and Sam Collins and vastly improved keeper Arran Lee-Barrett.

But Wilson is confident the work rate of his midfielders and front pair can bring the rewards for the defence.

"It is just one indiscretion really that is costing us at the moment," he said.

"Before the opposition get to the back lads they are having to deal with people in front of them and then they are having to get past Arran which is brilliant.

"To get clean sheets you need that work ethic and respect for each other and it starts with the front boys who have been brilliant.

"When you get that type of respect for each other you can go a long way.

"We have got some good legs in the team which is what you need.

"Unless you are a fantastic ball player who can spread the ball around, you have to have legs nowadays. That's what we have got in the team, particularly in that midfield area."

Tuesday night's 3-0 defeat to Leicester was probably the first time this season when Pools have looked slightly shaky at the back.

It was understandable though with former Pools player Steve Howard giving a master class in how to hold the ball up and capping his performance with the opening goal.

Lee-Barrett will have been disappointed by the way he conceded Howard's strike on his near post, but Wilson has been pleased with how the 24-year-old has developed after a difficult first season at the club.

Wilson said: "He has still got a lot to learn because he is still a young lad. When he starts getting more decisions right than wrong, his maturity will start to show.

"It shows what a little bit of belief can do. We have always had belief in him but he had to make sure he did it himself.

"We can only give him the facility, that determination has to come from within, I can't give it him.

"He is getting people talking about him for the right reasons, which is great."