Hartlepool United can have confident for Bristol Rovers trip says Billy Paynter

Skipper Billy Paynter says Hartlepool United will approach tomorrow night's trip to Bristol Rovers with 'confidence'.
Billy Paynter in action against NorthamptonBilly Paynter in action against Northampton
Billy Paynter in action against Northampton

Pools’ last five away days have produced a paltry one point from a possible 15 but Paynter says the belief has risen on the back of Saturday’s draw with Northampton Town.

“Northampton had 10 straight wins and I think, on paper, people would not have backed us,” he said.

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“The lads were a bit downhearted that we didn’t come away with all three points, but I think we’d have taken a point before the game.

“It was a positive result and nice to get a clean sheet and we can kick on from that for Bristol Rovers.

“The manager was pleased, the work we’ve done on the training field has been taken on board, you can see that.

“Everyone will look at this draw and say it’s a good result and something to build on.

“It is good for our confidence.”

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Paynter went close for Pools in the 64th-minute from a swift counter-attack but it went just wide of Adam Smith’s left-hand upright.

“It nearly crept in,” said the 31-year-old. “It’s disappointing it didn’t go on the other side of the post.”

But a draw proved a good result for Craig Hignett’s side as Paynter explained.

“I think the back four and Trevor Carson will be delighted to have a clean sheet,” he said.

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“We were really solid, forcing them down back alleys and pressuring them into losing the ball.

“We were getting in positions, it was just that final ball at times that did not come off.”

Paynter had praise for the Victoria Park faithful who got behind the side and made plenty of noise.

“The atmosphere was fantastic and really drove us on,” he added.