As weeks go, the last one was pretty memorable for Pools Club skipper Ritchie Humphreys.

Last Monday, he had his week ahead planned, training during the week, a game for the Reserves on Wednesday to push for a spot in Saturday's game with Walsall.

Fast-forward five days and Humphreys is in understandably ecstatic mood.

With wife Amanda having given birth to their first child on Thursday morning - two weeks before her due date, the former Sheffield Wednesday man had a real week to remember.

And, after making it in for training with his teammates on Friday morning, Humphreys was handed a place in the starting eleven for the First Team game at The Vic on Saturday.

He then played a key role in central midfield as Pools record their first home win of the new season.

"I'm pleased with that," Humphreys told hartlepoolunited.co.uk after the game.

"I don't want to be too clichéd about it, it just feels like football is always very important but then you start your own family and then you have another big priority.

"As well as obviously the game, the whole week was fantastic.

"Wednesday night we had all the worry of my wife being in labour and we didn't know how long it was going to last and then fortunately it all happened quite quickly and my daughter was born on Thursday morning.

"I then managed to train on Friday and prepare for the game on Saturday."

Looking at the win over Walsall and Humphreys was delighted to be involved, especially with the game being Pools' first home win of the campaign,

"I'm just pleased I was playing first of all and secondly, I'm pleased that I managed to get some sleep on Friday night before the game!

"We needed a good convincing home win and we got that on Saturday and I was glad to be in the team again.

"I was a bit surprised to be named in the starting eleven, especially after just one Reserve game and then I managed to get on for some First Team action at Colchester.

"But I really enjoyed the game and being in midfield, we managed to pass the ball about in midfield to try and get it into the strikers.

"The first goal was vital and it was pleasing to be involved. I played a one-two with Denis and then slid Monks in and he got himself into a good position to score - I was pleased to play a little part in that as well."

And Humphreys had special praise for substitute striker Colin Larkin who hit a stunning third goal in the game,

"I said after the Reserve game at Bradford he is a very good player, he's quick, bright and creative and he didn't panic in that situation and it was a fantastic finish."