Corey McKeown is determined to build on his impressive start and help Hartlepool United return to winning ways when Eastleigh visit Victoria Park on Friday night.

The summer signing has scored in each of Pools’ last two Enterprise National League fixtures, netting the winner at Aldershot Town before finding the target again during last weekend’s 2-1 defeat at Sutton United.

McKeown believes making such an early contribution has given him the confidence to keep pushing forward.

“Getting a goal so early on was massive for me,” he said.

“It builds confidence and I feel I have that now, so I just need to keep going.”

Pools opened the campaign with successive victories and clean sheets, following an assured 2-0 win over Barrow at Victoria Park with McKeown’s decisive intervention at Aldershot.

Introduced from the bench at the EBB Stadium in the 59th minute, the forward required only ten minutes to make his mark, scoring the only goal of the game to secure all three points for Lee Clark’s side.

McKeown was rewarded with his first league start for Pools at Sutton and struck again in the 34th minute, reducing the deficit after Temi Babalola and Emmanuel Osadebe had put the hosts in control.

Pools were unable to complete the comeback, but McKeown says the players cannot allow their first setback of the season to undermine the positive work achieved during the opening weeks.

“It was disappointing because you never like losing a game of football,” he admitted.

“We’ve spoken about it and we can’t get ourselves too down because we have another game coming quickly.

“We have to bounce back and try to get the three points this time.”

Pools begin the weekend fifth in the early standings, having collected six points from their opening three fixtures.

McKeown has accounted for two of the team’s four league goals, following his match-winning contribution from the bench at Aldershot with another goal on his first league start at Sutton.

The forward made the transition into full-time football during the summer and has relished his opening weeks working alongside Clark, his staff and a significantly rebuilt squad.

“I’ve absolutely loved it,” he explained.

“Making the transition into full-time football has been amazing for me, especially being around such a good group of lads and staff.”

McKeown had previously tested himself against National League opposition and always believed he possessed the ability to perform at this level.

His goalscoring start has strengthened that belief, but he knows there remains plenty of work ahead as he looks to establish himself within the team.

“I’ve played against National League teams before and had some good cup runs with my previous clubs,” he added.

“It’s a standard I knew I could play at. It’s great to have the opportunity, but I’ve not proved myself at this level.”

Friday’s visitors have also collected six points from their opening three fixtures.

Eastleigh defeated Gateshead 2-1 on the opening weekend before suffering a narrow defeat at Kidderminster Harriers. Matt Gray’s side responded last weekend with a 3-2 victory over Scunthorpe United, twice regaining the lead after being pegged back.

The Spitfires have carried a threat from midfield, with Harry Sidwell and Josh Lundstram scoring twice apiece, while experienced forward Oli Hawkins provides a physical focal point in attack.

Pools completed a league double over Eastleigh last season without conceding. Cameron John and Nathan Sheron scored in a 2-0 victory at the Silverlake Stadium before Matty Daly’s goal settled the return fixture at Victoria Park.

Friday will provide Pools with an opportunity to recapture the intensity and momentum behind their opening-day victory over Barrow.

McKeown was introduced during that 2-0 win and was immediately struck by the backing Clark’s team received from the stands.

“Seeing the supporters turn out in those numbers was amazing,” he said.

“It was something I knew I wanted to be part of, so I can’t wait to get back out there in front of them.”