Hartlepool United forward Rhys Oates has targeted victory over Northampton Town this weekend to kick-start his side's campaign.

The Monkey Hangers have lost successive home games in League Two and conceded seven goals in the process.

Oates admits that things have been "tough" for Hartlepool of late, but is hopeful that a return to winning ways on Saturday will lead to better things to come.

"It's been a tough week - we've conceded a few goals," he is quoted as saying by the Hartlepool Mail. "Hopefully we'll get up and running again tomorrow with three points at Northampton.

"We played a lot better against Luton, we just made a few silly mistakes and we didn't take our chances. That's the way it goes sometimes, but I don't think we deserved to lose 4-1.

"It's been a bit up and down for us but I hope we can get back on track and start winning games again."

Despite picking up just one win in their last eight league outings, United are still six points above the relegation zone.