Goals:

1-0: McCartan (19, ran at and through the defence from deep and finished high)

1-1: Bates (41, flicked header from a left-sided Brobbel free-kick)

2-1: Atkinson (45, header from a corner, allowed to jump unchallenged to score)

3-1: McCartan (78, knocked in from close range to meet a low cross)

Bookings: Harrison (unsporting behaviour 45), Aldred (foul 78)

Referee: Andrew Madley (Ossett): Pulled players over for a word on a few occasions, but not a lot to get involved with                6

Attendance: 947

Entertainment: 2/5

ACCRINGTON STANLEY (3-5-2): Joronon 5; Alred 6, Winnard 6, Atkinson 7; Molineux 6, Joyce 7, O’Sullivan 6, Procter 7, McCarten 7 (Hatfield 78); Gray 6 (Carver 74), Macguire 6 (Barry 62, 5).

Subs (not used): Simpson, Windass, Mingoia, Bowerman.

HARTLEPOOL UNITED (4-2-3-1)

5 Flinders: Three goals shipped, left open by his defenders too often on an unhappy night;

6 Duckworth: Again positive going forward throughout and went close to scoring in the first half with a shot from 20 yards

5 Austin: Did what you get from the centre-half – combative and cleared his lines when he had to

7 HARRISON : Strong in the air and on the ground, and decent on the ground too

5 Jones: Showed his youthful exuberance and inexperience at times on the left;

5 Bates: Got a goal as the first half came to a close, but didn’t get much room in midfield all evening

5 Miller: Quiet and didn’t have the influence on things he has done of late, not able to spread the ball with any authority;

4 Brobbel: Delivery brought Pools goal, but didn’t contribute enough. Missed the ball from a clear second half opening

6 Woods: Kept going, worked away in a few different positions. Went close with a first-half shot that was tipped over

5 Hawkins: Didn’t reach the standards he has since his introduction to the side and replaced in the second-half;

4 Wyke: Like he was against Luton at the weekend, he was well shackled and never had a chance to add to his tally. Replaced after suffering from illness. 

Subs:

Crooks (for Wyke 46): Raw and willing - and his inexperience showed at times    5

Franks (for Brobbel 56): Little impact on the game            4

Smith (for Hawkins 63): Tried to get across from wide, but was read by the home defenders       5

(not used): Woodman (gk), Richards, Green, Walker.

MAN OF THE MATCH

SHAY McCARTEN – opened the scoring and was a thorn in Pools side