PETE Wild hailed his side’s fast start as the “best 20 minutes of the season” after a convincing 3-1 win over off-colour Hartlepool. 

After being knocked out of the FA Cup and the disappointing defeat at Crawley last weekend, the Bluebirds got back to winning ways in style as they returned to fourth, four points off the automatic League Two promotion places.

Top scorer Josh Gordon made it to double figures before Ben Whitfield and Billy Waters made it the sensational start for the hosts at Holker Street.

Chris Missilou’s late effort was the only negative on an otherwise fine performance from Wild’s Bluebirds.

“That was our best 20 minutes of the season,” insisted Wild. 

“We had a deep debate in the changing room after Crawley last week about how poorly we started and generally how well we start games.

“The players were quite clear, and quite clear with each other, that we needed to start well. 

“We did that and we were ruthless in front of goal. All things considered that gave us a platform for the game.

“We’ve had games here this season where we’ve started well and not scored so to start well and score is the biggest thing for us. 

“We’re really pleased with our start and really pleased we’ve added goals to our start.”

The terrorising trio now have 22 goals between them after a great start to the campaign.

Star striker Gordon went off the boil towards the end of September, but Whitfield and Waters have picked up the scoring slack. 

And Gordon will be desperate to go on another scoring spree after netting seven times in his first 11 appearances of the season.

“They’re sharing the goals around and that’s pleasing,” added Wild. 

“Josh Gordon gets the first and then there’s a touch of glass for the third where he squares it for Billy and it’s game over.

“I’m really pleased they’re finding the net, really pleased with how they’re playing and let’s just keep going.

“Josh works ever so hard to get them goals as well. We’re really pleased he’s getting those goals, it’s a team effort but Josh is the one to put it in the net.

“He’s such a good finisher that he deserves what he gets at the end of it.”

The Bluebirds are within touching distance of the top three and it’s a remarkable turnaround after battling relegation since returning to the Football League.

But Wild is keeping his feet firmly on the floor and his sole focus is progressing the football club with the results taking care of themselves.

“We’ve just got to keep putting points on the board, threes, ones, wherever we can get those points,” stressed Wild.

“We can’t get carried away with positions or anything like that. 

“The plan here is to progress the football club and we’re happy with the way we’re progressing.”