Lee Clark has called on Hartlepool United to show the same mentality, desire and work ethic that have underpinned their perfect start when they face Sutton United on Saturday.

Pools travel to the VMS having recorded successive victories and clean sheets against Barrow and Aldershot Town.

Sutton have also collected six points without conceding, and Clark expects another demanding afternoon against Chris Agutter’s side.

“What has pleased me most has been the desire, application and attitude of everybody,” said Clark.

“That includes the lads who have started and those who have come from the bench. The substitutions we’ve made have had a real impact on the results, and I’ve been delighted with that.

“The two victories have been very different, but they’ve shown the different solutions we have within the squad.

“We can change things tactically during games to try to get a result and that is a massive asset for us as a coaching team.”

Corey McKeown demonstrated the value of those options by scoring the decisive goal at Aldershot, ten minutes after being introduced as a second-half substitute.

Clark praised McKeown’s determination to establish himself at a level he had not previously experienced.

“Corey is a fantastic young player who is desperate to do well,” he said

“This is a level he hasn’t played at before, but I think everyone saw his ability during pre-season.

“He came from the bench and scored a huge goal for us at Aldershot. That was another example of the impact our substitutes have made during the opening two games.”

Pools welcomed a number of new players during the summer, but Clark has been encouraged by how quickly the squad has come together.

“The squad is looking fantastic,” he added. “The togetherness and camaraderie among the lads are brilliant, and the work ethic on the training ground has been absolutely brilliant.”

Clark also confirmed that Jay Benn’s withdrawal at Aldershot was tactical rather than injury-related, while Liam Gibson is available again after recovering from a minor problem.

“Jay is absolutely fine; that was purely a tactical change,” he explained.

“Liam is back from his niggle and will be part of the squad this weekend.

 “Luke Charman and Owen Hampson are the two who will miss out, but they’re progressing really well. We look forward to welcoming them back into the group in the not-too-distant future.”

Sutton began their campaign with a 3-0 victory at Woking before beating Altrincham 1-0 at the VMS.

With both teams yet to concede, Clark believes Pools must reproduce the qualities that secured maximum points from their opening two fixtures.

“Sutton have made a similar start to us with two wins and two clean sheets, so they’ve obviously been very impressive,” he said.

“We know it’s going to be a very difficult game. We’ll have to work extremely hard and show the same mentality we’ve shown in our first two matches.

“We have to battle for every ball and, when we get the opportunity, show our quality with the ball. 

“Getting a result in this league is never easy. We know that, and we know what’s required.”

Pools face another lengthy journey south, but Clark knows the travelling support will once again provide his players with strong backing.

“The supporters have been absolutely magnificent,” he added.

“The attendance for our first home game, the following we took to Aldershot and the backing everybody has given us since we came through the door have been phenomenal.

“I’ll keep saying it: we want to deliver a team that’s worthy of their support. That’s what we aim to do.”