Michael Nelson returns with his latest online blog this time telling us what his thoughts were on the Crewe defeat, plus looking forward to our FA Cup clash with Stoke City.

If you'd like to comment on this article or ask Michael a question then you can email us on media@hartlepoolunited.co.uk

Disappointment against Crewe...

"Obviously it was a game we thought we could win and build on our last home result but it wasn't to be on Sunday. We pressed them early on in the first half and had a number of chances which they managed to get blocks on and then they hit us on the break.

"I don't think you can blame the fans for showing their displeasure at the performance. We got ourselves back in the game and then we went and threw it away. All of the goals were avoidable really."

FA Cup Third Round...

"It might do us a favour having a little break from the league. If we can go and put a good performance in then you never know what can happen in the cup competitions. If we can get a positive result then it could really kick-start us for the New Year.

"One thing's for sure, we're going to have to be a lot more solid against Stoke than we were against Crewe. You'd expect them to be a lot more potent but I am sure that the work we will put in on the training ground this week will help us come Saturday.

Backing from the fans...

"When you have a bad performance you can't let that play on your mind or it will affect you in the next game. The same kind of thing goes for the fans who we need to get right behind us on Saturday and help build the atmosphere inside the ground.

"If the mood around the place is a little downbeat then can come down from the stands and on to the pitch so we all have to come together on Saturday and put things behind us in a bid to get a really good result.

"I think we have a good chance to take a Premier League scalp here which would be great for the Club obviously so we're looking forward to it."