Lee Clark has challenged Hartlepool United to carry the qualities shown on the opening weekend into Saturday’s first away fixture of the Enterprise National League season against Aldershot Town.

Pools began the campaign with a 2-0 victory over Barrow at Victoria Park, where goals from debutants Will Harris and Jack Nolan secured three points and a clean sheet in Clark’s first league game as Head Coach.

While encouraged by the performance, Clark says the result has already been put to one side as his squad focuses on the challenge awaiting them at the EBB Stadium.

“It was really important to get that first win under our belts, but we’ve drawn a line under it and our focus is now entirely on Aldershot,” said Clark.

“This is our first away game in the league and we want to put down a marker.

“We can’t be a team that only performs at home. Throughout the season, whether we’re at Victoria Park or on the road, we have to give everything we’ve got.”

Pools combined quality in possession with the resilience required to overcome a demanding Barrow side on the opening afternoon.

Clark was particularly pleased with his team’s defensive work but believes there is more to come as the new-look group continues to develop.

“The performance showed that the players can play good football, but also that they can deal with the physical demands of this league,” he explained.

“Barrow gave us a tough game and the players stood up to that challenge. I thought some of our defending was of the highest order, so I was delighted with that.

“Going forward, we want to impose our football on teams more consistently. That’s something we’ll continue to work on.”

Competition for places remains strong following another productive week on the training ground.

Clark confirmed that, aside from long-term absentees Luke Charman and Owen Hampson, he has a full-strength squad available for the trip to Hampshire.

“The squad has been superb in training again this week,” he said.

“The players continue to give me difficult decisions when it comes to selecting the team, which is exactly what I’ve asked them to do.

“Other than the two long-term injuries to Luke and Owen, we have a full-strength squad. Everyone is putting themselves forward and showing they’re ready.”

Aldershot also opened their campaign with a victory and a clean sheet, with John Gilbert scoring the decisive goal in a 1-0 win at Boston United.

Scott Davies named 11 competitive debutants in his starting line-up, and Clark expects the Shots to approach their first home fixture with confidence.

“We’ve watched their game at Boston as well as footage from their pre-season programme,” he added.

“They’ve had a significant turnover of players and it was quite unusual to see them name 11 debutants, but they produced an excellent result away from home and kept a clean sheet.

“They’ll be buoyant going into their first home league game, so we know it will be an extremely tough match.

“They have threats at the top end of the pitch and we’ve identified plenty of pace in the wide areas, but it’s a challenge we’re looking forward to.”

Pools will be backed by a sizeable travelling support at the EBB Stadium, with Clark determined to reward those making the long journey south.

“We know a huge number of supporters are travelling and we’re really looking forward to seeing them at Aldershot,”he said.

“I’ve no doubt they’ll give us their magnificent support, as they always do.

“We want to give them a performance they can respond to and make sure that, when they begin that long journey home, they’ve seen a Pools team give everything. Hopefully, we can send them back with another three points to celebrate.”