MARK ROBINSON played his part in ensuring that Town did not slip on the dreaded FA Cup banana skin.

The defender made his first start since last season's home defeat by Notts County and enjoyed the County Ground atmosphere once again.

Robbo said his well-documented injury nightmare had been tough to deal with and doubts had crept into his mind during the real 'down' days.

He said: "Injuries put doubts in your mind but I've fought back and was delighted to play against Hartlepool.

"But the lads were disappointed to let them back in so quickly after establishing a two-goal cushion.

"We seemed to take our foot off the gas and it led to a sloppy, unprofessional performance.

"Sometimes you can come unstuck in those circumstances but Matt Heywood has given us something to hang on to at the end.

"The gaffer wasn't too impressed but we got through and it's a step closer to the lucrative third round."

Robbo was happy enough with his own contribution to the victory over United.

He said: "It was steady enough and I was reasonably pleased.

"I need more games to get that match sharpness back but one step at a time."

Central defender Matt Heywood was delighted to be on the scoresheet but admitted that the performance didn't rank as particularly satisfying.

He said: "We just couldn't kill them off.

"We didn't keep the ball enough and they caused us problems.

"They were a decent side and it's hard to see why they're in the bottom half of division three.

"We always look a better side when we keep the ball but it was being lumped into the corners too much and if you give away possession then the opposition have more chance to put you under pressure."

Heywood came to Town's rescue by heading home a pressure-relieving third goal just 16 minutes from time.

"It was good to get on the scoresheet at last. I got a couple in pre-season and I've hit the post this year but it hadn't happened.

"My goals usually come in clusters so let's hope there's a few more just around the corner."