Reiss McNally believes Hartlepool United’s togetherness and collective determination will be crucial as they look to return to winning ways against Woking on Saturday.

Pools return to Victoria Park following three successive defeats, but the vice-captain insists the squad remains united and fully focused on producing a response.

McNally was appointed vice-captain during the summer and is proud to support captain Jack Hunter as part of a wider group of experienced voices within the dressing room.

The defender believes leadership is demonstrated through daily standards as much as it is on a matchday.

“It was a proud moment to be named vice-captain alongside Hunter,” said McNally.

“We try to help lead the group every day and make sure we do that in a positive way.

“I try to lead by example, both on and off the pitch. It is about doing things properly and then, when I’m on the pitch, performing as well as I can and hoping the rest follows.”

Having spent more than a year at the Club, McNally has seen the group develop under Lee Clark and believes the foundations established during the summer remain firmly in place.

Pools began the Enterprise National League campaign with successive victories and clean sheets against Barrow and Aldershot Town before suffering narrow defeats against Sutton United, Eastleigh and FC Halifax Town.

McNally accepts the recent results have been disappointing but says they have not weakened the spirit within the squad. He remains confident that the unity developed within the group can help Pools respond positively.

“I’ve really enjoyed my time here and I think we have a good group together,” he explained.

“We haven’t got the results we wanted from the last three games, but there is still a really good team spirit.

“The gaffer has helped instil that throughout the squad. Hopefully, we can now show it on the pitch and get the result we want.”

The defender believes the presence of several strong characters throughout the group will be important as Pools look to emerge from their first difficult period of the campaign.

While Hunter and McNally hold the formal captaincy roles, the vice-captain insists leadership and responsibility extend throughout the dressing room.

“It is massive to have strong leaders, particularly during a challenging spell,” he continued.

“We have plenty of them, both on and off the pitch. Everyone has a part to play in guiding the team in the right direction. We all want the same thing, which is to get back to winning games.”

Pools produced a determined performance against Eastleigh despite playing virtually the entire second half with ten men, only to concede the decisive goal deep into added time.

Another closely contested game followed at The Shay on Tuesday, where Clark’s side started brightly and created opportunities but were unable to respond after Will Hugill opened the scoring during the second half.

The margins have been narrow, but McNally knows Pools must now turn their positive periods into points.

He says the mood within the dressing room is one of determination, with the players ready to support one another and work collectively for a response.

“Everyone is ready to roll their sleeves up and go again on Saturday,” he said.

“We are all focused on getting the three points, especially with the game being back at home.

“You have to keep the team spirit strong when things aren’t going your way. We have to continue backing each other because that togetherness will carry through onto the pitch.”

Woking travel to Victoria Park having collected four points from their opening five league fixtures. The Cards recovered from successive defeats against Sutton United and Gateshead by producing a dramatic late comeback to beat AFC Fylde 3-2.

They were subsequently beaten 1-0 at Hornchurch before Aiden O’Brien came from the bench to earn a 1-1 draw against Southend United on Monday.

Woking have also strengthened their attacking options with the signing of experienced centre-forward John Marquis.

McNally expects the Cards to provide a demanding examination but believes the determination within the Pools squad can help them rediscover the momentum generated by their opening two victories.

Saturday provides an opportunity to translate the unity inside the dressing room into a positive performance and result at Victoria Park.

“Getting that winning momentum back is everything because we need a win,” he added.

“We know it is going to be a tough game, but the lads are ready to roll their sleeves up and get the three points at home.”