Hartlepool United rebuilding fans faith - Micky Barron

Hartlepool caretaker boss Micky Barron believes the effort in Wednesday's 2-0 defeat by Tranmere has restored some faith in the team with supporters.

Rovers came to Victoria Park in third, while Pools were bottom and recovering from a 6-1 defeat by League Two side Chesterfield in Saturday's FA Cup tie.

Barron told BBC Tees: "It would've been nice to get a reaction and a result.

"It was a big step in the right direction after Saturday. The players got the crowd back on their side."

A crowd of 3,285 turned up to back Barron's side, and saw chances for Simon Walton and Paul Murray in the first half, until two late goals eventually handed the visitors the points.

Tranmere manager Ronnie Moore was also complimentary of Pools' effort, talking of their "spirit and desire".

Barron added: "It's what we spoke about before the game - sometimes people think it has to be a goal to lift the crowd, but we said to them it could be a header, a tackle or a cross - just make sure we do something to lift the crowd.

"They were good tonight, I didn't have any complaints with what the fans said on Saturday, but tonight we played the type of football we want to play at times.

"Even though we were beaten 2-0, bottom of the table, the fans clapped us off. There are a lot of positives to take from that fans-players relationship."