HARTLEPOOL boss Neale Cooper has warned his strikers they need to be more clinical if they are to overcome Notts County this afternoon, writes CHRIS GLANCEY.

After dominating the majority of Tuesday’s defeat at Preston, Cooper was left bewildered how his side left Deepdale empty-handed.

The Pool chief has urged his strikers to take their chances when they entertain Martin Allen’s men at Victoria Park this afternoon.

He said: “The game at Preston was frustrating.

“We created a lot of chances, but could not take any of them.

“We limited them to very few chances and ended up losing to an absolute wonder goal.

“I cannot fault the effort of the players as they have been fantastic, but we need to be more lethal in the final third.

“The important thing is we are creating lots of chances but we need to start taking one or two. If we do that I am sure we can pull off a result today.”

Cooper’s men have failed to find the net in their last two games – despite being better on both occasions. The Scot insists his front-line need to the keep their end of the bargain and build on Pool’s defensive solidity.

He added: “Defensively we have been very good. I spoke to the players during the week and they understood what we need to do.

“The players have been fantastic for me and they have given me everything.

“This afternoon is going to be a tough game, but I have every faith in the lads.”

However, Cooper is pleased with his side’s recent form.

Tuesday’s loss was their first in six and Hartlepool have looked a more cohesive unit since Cooper started his second stint as manager. With a win today, Pool can leapfrog the Magpies and reclaim a place in the top half of League One. Cooper said: “The middle of the table is very congested.

“It is an important game for us and we will be hoping to get back to winning ways.

“A victory today and we will move up a few positions.”

Yet the manager is wary of the threat County pose. In the reserve fixture, Hartlepool were outclassed at Meadow Lane and the hosts were good value for their 3-0 win. Cooper is hoping his side can avenge that defeat, but admits they will need to stop danger man Lee Hughes.

He added: “County are a very good footballing side and they have very good players.

“Hughes and Ben Burgess are a real handful upfront.

“However, we have had good form of late and with us being at home we will be looking to take the game to them.”