Hartlepool Utd’s Miller didn’t dare look at league table before Shrewsbury Town win

Before the match a large dark cloud hung over Victoria Park with pressure mounting after four defeats from five and the deadline day sale of star striker Luke James to Peterborough United.

But come 5pm on Saturday and Victoria Park was back bouncing again after a much-needed and deserved three points.

Charlie Wyke sent Pools on their way early on before Brad Walker capped a fine all-round team performance with a second-half strike.

You could see the pressure visibly lift from the shoulders of the players.

Experienced Miller admitted afterwards it was a “big game” for Colin Cooper’s side but he was chuffed supporters were able to go home happy and could enjoy the win.

He can now, at least, sneak a peak at the League Two table with a bit more confidence.

After the win over Town, Pools moved up to 18th place with six points from their opening six matches.

The Pools camp know that they must now aim to repeat the same standard of performance when Tranmere Rovers visit Victoria Park on Saturday.

Miller told SportMail: “You try not to look at the league table but we were aware of it and it had been a disappointing start for us.

“The Shrewsbury Town match was a big game for us and it was a big three points.

“The aim now is to kick-on and take the performance against Shrewsbury into the Tranmere game tomorrow.

“In order to do that we need to keep doing the same things.

“It will of course be tough and every game is tough in this league.

“But if we work hard and get the chances and finish them then there is no reason why not.

“Saturday was perfect, winning the game and keeping the clean sheet - just perfect.”

Last weekend, Miller enjoyed his first taste of victory at Victoria Park in his second spell at the club.

And he is hoping for more Saturday afternoon’s like the one against Shrewsbury.

This summer the 35-year-old, who was released by Bury at the end of last season, re-joined the club he left 13 years ago.

In 2001 Miller was sold to Ipswich Town for a club record fee of £750,000 and went on to enjoy success at Sunderland, Sheffield Wednesday and Swindon Town.

He is enjoying his second spell at Pools though.

Miller added: “Saturday was a good, all-round team performance from us and it was excellent to win at Victoria Park.

“It was great to see the fans go away happy, with a smile on their faces.

“It had been a disappointing start but hopefully they can be happy and proud of our performance and enjoyed a few pints.”