Hartlepool United must keep up consistency '“ Scott Loach

Those were the words of Scott Loach as rejuvenated Hartlepool United look to maintain their great form at Wrexham tonight (kick-off 7.45pm).

Pools may not have climbed far up the National League ladder – they are now 19th – bit are only three points outside the play-off positions and just five behind this evening’s hosts.

“It’s tight from top to bottom in this league and that’s probably how it’s going to be until the end of April,” said Loach.

“We want to be going upwards, but it’s all about consistency now, we can’t get carried away because we’ve won three games.

“People will be looking from the outside saying ‘why have Hartlepool only won three?’.

“We know we could have been up there had the performances have been better. It’s about finding the consistency, it’s no good winning three then losing two.

“We have done well in the last three games and we want to keep this momentum going.”

Loach has been superb for Pools during the winning run against Guiseley (1-0), Maidstone United (3-1) and Dagenham & Redbridge (1-0).

The 29-year-old has produced man-of-the-match-level displays to ensure Pools have picked up two clean sheets.

However, for all his individual brilliance, he has hailed the team spirit inside the camp for the mini-revival following the dismal home defeat to Fylde last month.

The team had let down the club and fans and, of course, boss Craig Harrison and coaches Paul Jenkins, Matthew Bates and Bernhard Hirmer.

But the players have really turned it around, with Loach identifying the impact of senior players Nicky Featherstone and Keith Watson as significant contributory factors.

“We all knew in the squad that we could do better,” said Loach.

“The gaffer, Jenks, Batesy, Bernie were doing everything they could and we weren’t delivering and they were getting the flak for it.

“As players we sat down and said ‘we need to be doing this, this and this’.

“Feaths coming into the team has made a difference, he’s a big voice and personality in the dressing room. The same with Keith, it helps to have strong characters like these in your side.”

Loach says the ability they have shown to battle for everything will be crucial in the coming hours, days, weeks and months.

“Guiseley and Saturday were not the best in terms of football, but we got over the line,” he said.

“We have a squad good enough to win this league but consistency and desire are the key words.

“I’ve played in this league before with York and those are the qualities you need to get over the line.

“If we win 1-0 or it’s a scrappy 0-0 we have to make sure we stay hard to beat.”