Confidence and motivation key as Dave Challinor looks to build on Hartlepool United's four game unbeaten run in the National League

With only 14 matches of the season remaining, Pools sit just three points outside of the final play-off place going into Saturday’s crunch tie away against a potential play-off rival in Barnet (3pm kick-off).

Challinor’s side have beaten Eastleigh and Stockport County at Victoria Park while also picking up respectable draws at Dover Athletic and Yeovil Town where they were disappointed not to take all three points.

“We have to use this little run as motivation to recognise we’re now four unbeaten,” said the United manager.

“Eight points from four games is good but only if you keep it going.

“We’ll continue to work hard through the week and go away from home to a tough place and do everything we can to try and get three points again.

“When that happens, confidence in the dressing room will build because the league table will show we’re in and around it and have got ourselves an opportunity which will hopefully be the case.

“We’ve had a really high intensity week in training which we haven’t had much chance to do with the Saturday, Tuesday games but last week the players showed me they could do it and answered our questions of them.

“What we’ve got to do is use that feeling and bottle that feeling to use as motivation to push forward.”