WHAT a difference a week makes in football.

The improvement in performance from the 0-0 draw at home to Cambridge United in the FA Cup last week and the 1-0 win against Hartlepool on Tuesday night was nothing short of remarkable.

I thought it was an even contest in the first half, with Bury maybe just shading it on chances, but they absolutely bossed the game after the break and fully deserved the three points.

In seven days I would say they went from their worst performance of the season to their best.

I know Danny Nardiello won all the plaudits for his goal, and, in fairness, he did look a class above the rest.

But for me I thought the work-rate of Chris Sedgwick on the wing set the tone for the display.

Chris shouldn’t be my favourite person as he is a Sheffield Wednesday fan, but he is a great pro and I am glad to see him getting a run in the team.

I have said in recent weeks that the team have lacked a leader on the pitch, and while Chris is not a big talker, he leads by his actions and gives such a good example for everyone else to follow.

I also thought Tommy Miller did the same, putting in a good disciplined performance, meaning Bury really didn’t miss suspended captain Andy Procter.

Tommy proved he can play alongside Tom Soares in central midfield and has given Ronnie Jepson something to think about.

For my money, both Chris and Tommy have done enough to keep their places for Saturday.

Chris, especially, would be unfortunate to drop back down to the bench, even though he only originally came into the first team reckoning because Danny Mayor was ill.

It is up to Danny now to prove he is worth his place back in the team and that might be good for him.

You never know, maybe he will have to challenge the other winger, Craig Jones, for his spot instead if Chris keeps on performing so well.

But these are all good problems for the manager to have.

What was striking to me was the change in mood around the ground and the reaction from the fans to the result and performance.

There is still work to be done on the defence, but that will come, and if they can keep this positive vibe it will be onwards and upwards.