Hartlepool United don’t want to be near bottom again says Scott Fenwick

Two goals in the last two games has moved Fenwick up to five goals – two behind leading scorer, the injured Billy Paynter.

The 25-year-old admits the pressure is on him – and Pools – against Notts County on Boxing Day.

And Fenwick says he can’t believe Pools are at the wrong end of the table – 12 months after being bottom of the Football League last Christmas.

Pools are still seven points above the drop zone and could move back up to 20th place in the table if they beat County on Saturday and Newport fail to win at Barnet.

“The gap is seven points but from the way we started the season I don’t think anyone expected us to be down there again,” said Fenwick.

“I didn’t want to be involved in it again, having been there last season.

“I wanted to be looking up and improve.

“I think there’s a lot pressure to get a win on Saturday.

“Notts County aren’t doing as well as perhaps their budget suggests they should be doing.

“It is a big game and a good game to look forward to.”

Fenwick thought he had earned a point for Pools on Saturday against Plymouth, when he converted a late penalty, only to concede a last-minute goal to the Pilgrims.

But the Geordie said there was enough in the display against the League Two leaders to suggest things are coming back together.

“I liked what Batesy said in the press after Saturday on what we expect as a team,” he said.

“We all know what we can do and we can match teams like that.

“The confidence was there and the way we lost is disappointing for everyone.

“The game reminded me of how we started the season, full of beans and ratting around the opposition.

“We need that every game and results will turn around.

“Whether it’s a game or training, that’s how we have to perform.

“If we do that and play with confidence then results will turn around.”

And Fenwick says he will be going all out for more goals, adding: “I’ll be in the box, there or there abouts.”