Pools face a frustrating wait for their next League One encounter with Saturday's scheduled trip to Southampton called off because of the Saints' involvement in the FA Cup.

It means Chris Turner's won't be able to build on their 2-2 draw with promotion contenders Leeds United until they host Huddersfield Town on Saturday, February 20.

By then, Pools could be in the relegation zone with fellow strugglers Brighton, Gillingham, Tranmere and Oldham, playing games in hand tonight and a full League One programme scheduled for the weekend.

But Jones, who will not play a part for the second string at Middlesbrough today, is convinced Pools have enough to avoid a repeat of last season's struggles when they finally return to action.

Jones said: "We'd prefer a game tomorrow.

"We'll just have to train hard and be ready for Huddersfield.

"This time last year we were on a bit of a slope.

"We weren't playing well, we weren't passing it about.

"But the point was massive it's lifted everyone.

"If we can get a three points soon it's going to lift us away.

"Games like that can easily be a turning point.

"Everyone will be really positive going into the next game because we've got a result against such a good side."