GIVEN the conditions at Hartlepool last weekend, I thought that the standard of football on show was a credit to both teams. Hartlepool are playing at the top of their form at the moment, but even so I thought that we could have got something from the game.

Unfortunately several key decisions went against us and the final scoreline was harsh. That said, we are still top of the table, where everyone else wants to be.

We have spent a long time in top spot and have done so because we are a good team. We have a talented group of players who have worked hard for me since the summer and deserve the opportunity to see this through.

There is plenty of ability within our ranks, however we will do whatever is necessary to achieve the goals that we set ourselves at the start of the season.

What we need now is a big performance against a Lincoln side who are also gunning for promotion. They have scored plenty of goals so far this season and will provide us with another stern test, but one that I believe we are more than capable of coming through successfully with the right application and commitment.

We have so much strength of character in the dressing room and on every occasion this season we have been able to bounce back in the right way. I have every faith in my players to do the same on Friday evening.

I would like to offer a word of praise to the 277 fans who made the long trek up to the north-east, battling difficult weather conditions to get there to show their support for the team. Like me, they will have been amazed at the fantastic support the Hartlepool fans gave their team. It was the best atmosphere that I have witnessed in a ground for a long time and is the sort of support that any team battling for promotion needs at this important time.

With 14 big matches coming up, we are going to need your full backing now more than ever.

RICHARD MONEY