NEALE Cooper has challenged his Hartlepool players to pick up their league campaign this afternoon where they left off a fortnight ago.

With Pool’s game at Bury last weekend postponed due to a frozen pitch, today’s game against Bournemouth at Victoria Park is their first outing since their comprehensive 4-0 home win over Carlisle two weeks ago.

That derby victory means Pool go into the Bournemouth game on the back of a four-game unbeaten run which has yielded eight points, pushing them up to 12th in the League One table.

However, Cooper’s side will have to be at their best against the Cherries, who have won three of their last four games and sit four places and six points above Pool.

Cooper said: “The lads have set such high standards in recent games and particularly against Carlisle.

“They showed they can do it and now what we have to try and do is and continue that until the end of the season and see where it takes us. By all accounts Bournemouth are a good side but we have the home advantage and we have to take the game to them and be positive.

“I like to know who I am playing against of course, but I always say it is more about what we do.

“There is a nice feeling and confidence in the camp, so let’s go and cause them problems.”

Jamie Poole (hamstring) and long-term absentee Colin Larkin (knee) are both still out of action.

The Vic passed a pitch inspection at noon yesterday and the turf was covered overnight, ensuring the game is on. Carlisle, though, were not so lucky, with their game at Stevenage postponed due to a frozen pitch following an inspection at the Lamex Stadium.

Carlisle manager Greg Abbott said: “We all wanted the game on, but I am just pleased the decision was made early.

“It stops everybody from travelling and that is important, because our fans have to pay out a lot of money to follow us.

“It is good for them that they will not have to lose out in that way, even though they will be as disappointed as we are we have lost the Saturday fixture.”