ONE of the positives Barrow AFC boss Micky Moore took from Saturday’s defeat to Maidstone United was the performance of new boy Chris Clements.

The 27-year joined on a three-month loan deal from League Two Grimsby Town on Friday, went straight into the starting line-up, and had a very promising debut.

Clements, who has scored four goals in 17 appearances for Grimsby this term, looked neat and tidy on the ball, displayed a solid work ethic and got himself into some good shooting positions.

“Chris is a fantastic footballer and will get better,” said AFC boss Moore, whose side head to Hartlepool tonight looking for their first win in six league games (kick-off 7.45pm).

“He can play one-touch, two-touch, he can break lines and has got a fantastic football brain. He will be a fantastic addition to us.

“To get players like Chris you have to be patient. I have always said you don’t get a player just for the sake of it. For the right ones, you have to wait.”

Barrow will be without long-term absentees Dave Nieskens, Thierry Audel, Moussa Diarra and Adi Yussuf again tonight, but they should be boosted by Bedsente Gomis’ return from suspension.

Like Moore at Barrow, tonight’s opponents Hartlepool have a man in charge who is relatively new to the job, in the shape of Craig Harrison.

Pools have found the adjustment from League Two to the National League a challenging one so far, and lie 18th in the table, two places above Barrow.

Moore is confident Barrow will get back to winning ways soon, while admitting their next two games – Hartlepool away and Leyton Orient at home on Saturday – are two more difficult assignments.

He said: “Hartlepool started quite slowly, but have gradually found their feet at this level and that will be a difficult game.

“Orient will be no easier. We have just got to hard, compete and battle – like we are doing. We need something to turn for us.”