Neale Cooper admitted Hartlepool were not at their best but was satisfied with a point from a goalless home draw with Bournemouth.
At a cold Victoria Park there was little on show to warm the hearts. Both sides were full of effort, but it came to nothing and it was a game of few chances.
Pools have now gone five games without defeat, while the Cherries missed the chance to make in-roads on the play-off zone.
Cooper said: "It was a well-earned point, a very good one as we weren't at our best. We were against a very good side and knew that from the reports we had.
"We defended well and had chances as well. The workrate was very good, even though one or two didn't defend to the best of their ability. The only thing that hurt us was our own mistakes, giving them opportunities."
Teenage striker Luke James, watched by a number of scouts from higher division clubs, was quiet and Cooper added: "Attacking-wise we weren't at our best and up front it was hard for young Luke. He knows he wasn't at his best and is honest enough to admit it."
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