JOHN Askey retains belief that Hartlepool United can get out of trouble in League Two and says wins will follow if his side continue to play as they did against leaders Leyton Orient last time out.

Pools fought back from behind to snatch a deserved point against Orient, their fifth successive draw since Askey took charge. The problem is, their nearest rivals Crawley have also found form, and their 1-1 draw with Grimsby in midweek extended their unbeaten run to five games and left Hartlepool five points adrift of safety.

Pools, who face Crawley later this month, host mid-table Swindon on Saturday (3pm) desperate for a win to ignite their push for survival.

And Askey is calling for more of the same from his players.

He told BBC Tees: "The players played well against the top of the league team. If we can keep putting performances out like that then we know we'll get results. You can't keep playing like that and not come away with three points.

"We're really positive. I think in every game we're getting stronger. When the players go out now, they feel good about themselves. The lads know if they keep doing what they're doing they'll get what they deserve.

"We just have to concentrate on ourselves. If we can keep putting performances in like we have in the last five then we have a good chance of being in and around it when we play Crawley."

Swindon are 11th, 10 points adrift of the play-off places, and Askey has warned his players that the visitors will see this game as a must-win if they're to make an unlikely late push for the top seven.

He said: "I would have thought this is their last chance. If they win and results go for them then it becomes a possibility again.

"They might be carefree and go out there relaxed and put in a god performance. We just have to make sure we're right."

Pools might have to go without Euan Murray, which would be a blow. The defender has impressed since Askey's appointment but was forced off against Orient.

"He’s struggling at the moment. It was a dead leg,” said Askey.

“He’s not been able to train, he might be able to do a little bit today (Friday), but we’ve just got to see whether he’ll be able to come through or not.

"He’ll be touch and go. Hopefully he’ll be OK but we’re not 100% at the moment. He’s done well since I’ve come in.”