Hartlepool United Women’s head coach Gareth Horwood is targeting four points from their last two games to secure their NERWFL Northern Division status.

Pools remained in eighth place in the table on 22 points after a spirited performance in a 3-0 defeat to runaway champions Thornaby on Easter Sunday.

Neither Bishop Auckland nor Chester-le-Street Amazons can overtake Horwood’s team though they can still be caught by basement club Gateshead, who have a game in hand.

Pools have a chance of points this Sunday, when they travel to Wallsend, who are only three points above them in the table.

The head coach was pleased with his team’s display against Thornaby at Metcalfe Park.

“We stuck together and stayed in the game, even though we were outplayed for large spells,” he said.

“Ultimately, it proved a stretch too far – Thornaby were simply better than us on the day and deserved their win.

“That said, we can take a lot of positives from the fixture.

“We remained competitive throughout, limited their goal-scoring opportunities, and made life difficult for them over the full 90 minutes.

“Now, with just two fixtures remaining, our destiny is in our own hands.

“Quite simply, we need to pick up four points to cement our place in the league.”

Harriet Dryden’s wonder goal gave Thornaby a first-half lead before two from Ebony Duffy after the break sealed the deal for the visitors.

“It was always going to be a difficult task coming up against this season’s already-crowned league champions,” added Gareth.

“Having already been humbled 12-0 in the reverse fixture earlier in the season, and with a number of players missing through injury, it was always going to be a massive challenge for the team.

“But no one can fault the players today.

“We put in a valiant performance against all the odds.

“Despite eventually losing the game 3-0, we held out for the majority of the first half, conceding just once, and showed real desire, making our opponents fight for every ball.”

Image: Mark Bird