Promotion-chasing Hartlepool United are getting their rewards insists midfielder

Pools, who enjoyed a weekend off, are second in the National League table ahead of the trip to Weymouth on Saturday.

Shelton, reflecting on the season, said: “It’s been brilliant, we started well with a few good results then we struggled for a little bit with results.

"The performances were still there, we just struggled to get over the line.

"At the minute, we’re second and are on the back of some good performances.

"Teams have a few games in hand on us that they’ll probably catch up with this month.

"In terms of morale and the team, we’re just doing all we can do and getting the rewards for the work we’re putting in.”

Saturday was FA Trophy weekend for most National League clubs, leaving Pools without a game following their early penalty shoot-out exit at the hands of Halifax Town last month.

Meetings with The Shaymen seem to be cursed for Pools in recent weeks with their league match at The Shay twice being postponed due to a frozen pitch.

Pools’ squad players kept themselves fresh with a 5-2 friendly win over Sunderland under-23s at The Academy of Light last Wednesday afternoon.

The Pools squad was back in training Monday.

Challinor had hoped to play a game at the weekend as he looked to arrange a friendly game but had little success. Hartlepool had also discussed bringing their league match at Eastleigh forward to this weekend but nothing could be arranged.

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