Dave Challinor discusses 'the most important thing' at Hartlepool United following 2-0 win against Notts County

A total of 3,839 fans watched on as Nicky Featherstone’s brace secured a fourth successive home win for Pools who have lost just once at The Vic since Challinor was appointed as manager back in November.

And with his side within touching distance of a play-off place with 11 games to go in the National League, the Pools boss has hailed the impact of the home support on his side.

“It’s the most important thing, regardless of where you are, the fans are the football club and without them, we wouldn’t be here and it’s pointless us being here,” Challinor said.

“To give them something to hang onto the back of is where we need to be. We’re doing that at the moment but we’re trying to make that better.

“I spoke to the players and there is a feeling that momentum is building and we’ve got to jump on the back of that.

“It’s our responsibility as a group to give the fans something to get behind.

“Between now and the end of the season, we’ll need them because we’ll be behind in games and need goals and that’s when we’ll need the fans to get behind the team and show what they can do by sticking by the players.

“When they do that, hopefully the players will notice and realise that something special is happening here.”