Michael Nelson returns for his first entry in his online diary of the new season.

The big defender will be keeping us regularly updated on his thoughts on all things Pools so look out for his blog every week here on hartlepoolunited.co.uk

Victory over West Brom…

"I thoroughly enjoyed it obviously. I thought we started the game well, got right in their faces and pressed them in possession. This was typified in the way we got the first goal with Gary Liddle putting pressure on the defender, nicking the ball and laying it across for Joel to score.

"We wanted to get at them from the first whistle and I think that worked very well. We knew that if we gave them room to play then they had the ability to hurt us. They are better players than we are so we had to battle for everything we got in the game."

Foley on target again…

"The lads have been giving David Foley some stick, even before the Carling Cup started this season because of his goals record. We've told him that they should re-name it the Foley Cup!

"It was mentioned again after the win over Scunthorpe in the last round and obviously again following the game last night! So as well as getting praise for his performance off the lads he's also coming in for a bit of stick but it's all good fun.

"To be fair, Foles has still not nailed down a starting place but he definitely has something about him and is a good asset to have in the squad. He has bags of pace and coming off the bench to run at tired defenders is a threat - I know certainly wouldn't want to see him running at me after I'd already played 80 minutes!"

Great character in the squad…

"It would have been quite easy for us to fold in extra time, especially after losing the late goal and having had the win within touching distance. Heads could have dropped but we knew that we could create some more chances and get in amongst them and we just kept going."

Who do you fancy in the next round?

"I don't know who I fancy next in the competition. It's one of those where you're not sure whether to hope for a massive game away from home or one of the lesser teams at The Vic.

"It would be nice if we could get through another round but at the same time we do want to play one of the biggest sides at some stage. I think the attitude is that we will just take what comes and if we perform like we did last night then who knows what will happen."

Putting the boot in…

"Richard Barker has come back this season with a brand new pair of boots which he's been getting a bit of attention for. They have a bit more a design on them but the lads have been giving him stick saying he looks like a linesman in them! Some of the lads have been saying that he's wearing the new 'Mitre Uriah Rennies'.