Antony Sweeney has admitted there has been little time for festive cheer at Pools this year as the team slumped to back-to-back defeats in League One.

Boxing Day's 3-0 reverse at Scunthorpe United was compounded two days later by a 4-1 defeat at home to bottom side Crewe and Sweneey insists the squad have felt it as much as the fans.

"Sunday was a massive disappointment for everyone connected to the Club," he admitted.

"I think it was quite a strange game because in the first half we could have been a couple of goals up and then got done with a sucker punch right on the whistle.

"We got back in to it within a few minutes of the second half starting and I think I speak for everyone when I say that at that point we felt we'd go on and win the game.

"I think all the goals they scored a majorly preventable from our point of view so it's really disappointing for us all."

Pools must dust themselves down in time for Saturday when they face one of their biggest tests of the season as Premier League Stoke City arrive at The Vic in the Third Round of the FA Cup.

The Potters have stuttered somewhat of late in the top flight after an energetic start but still remain favourites - though Sweeney insists Pools do have what it takes to bounce back in style.

"In some ways I think it would have been better if we'd had another league game this weekend so we could get a good result and put a bad Christmas behind us.

"There is no better game though to take the pressure off getting league points than a big FA Cup tie against a Premier League side.

"It will be a tough one for us and I'm sure they will be approaching the game confidently but this is the FA Cup and anything can happen so we will give it our all."