Craig Hignett has told his players he wants them to maintain and build upon the ruthless streak they've shown in hitting the net ten times in their opening two pre-season friendlies.
The Pools boss was heartened by the way his side kept on going forward and creating multiple opportunities during their 6-0 win over Shildon at Dean Street on Saturday.
That winning performance came hot on the heels of their 4-0 triumph at Billingham Town on Tuesday night and Hignett says that the players have to get used to going for the throat in that manner because that is what he will be demanding of them.
“It was very encouraging,” he told us in the aftermath of the victory at Shildon.
“We look fit, we look strong and we look a real handful if I am being honest.
“We've obviously got a lot options now but you can see the lads getting fitter now because even from Tuesday to this game we looked a yard quicker.
“They were ruthless on Tuesday and I said that they needed to be again today, and I will keep reinforcing that because I don't want us to be happy winning 1-0 or 2-0 – go and get three, go and get four.
“They did that today but and we still missed some chances and there were a few bits of sloppy play in and around the box where I think we should have got shots but didn't – that's just the standard we're working to now.
“We have just got to keep battering it and battering it because we have the obvious ability to go and do that to teams.”
Hignett also confirmed that keeper Ben Killip's substitution was merely a precaution after he was caught in the head whilst punching a ball clear and the keeper should be fit to feature at Newton Aycliffe on Tuesday.