CRAIG HIGNETT got his managerial career off to a winning start, as Hartlepool United beat Yeovil Town 2-1.

Appointed manager on Wednesday after Ronnie Moore's exit, the former Middlesbrough assistant boss cut a satisfied figure on the Victoria Park touchline.

They were almost off to the perfect start, midfielder Jake Gray clipping the crossbar with an angled shot after only 24 seconds.

Glovers’ defender Nathan Smith crashed a shot against the outside of the post from ten yards under pressure.

But visiting keeper Arthur Krysiak produced a fine reaction save on 45 minutes, sticking out an arm to deny defender Dan Jones’ flick header.

Pools took the lead on 59 minutes with a controversial penalty, awarded when Nathan Thomas was felled by Jakub Sokolik on the edge of the penalty area.

Captain Billy Paynter made no mistake from the spot for his tenth of the season.

Thomas could have made it two minutes later, but clipped over from close range after a swift break.

But the second arrived on 72 minutes, centre-half Adam Jackson towering in a header from a corner.

The Glovers’ misery was compounded on 78 minutes, as Smith was red carded for shoving Paynter in the face.

But the gap was reduced to one in injury time, Francois Zoko heading in at the far post from a Simon Gillet cross.

Hignett said: “It’s easy to come in one game and judge them, but I didn’t realise the pressure they were under, it's huge for them looking back.

“I can understand some of the anxiety and we will get better.

“We got to plan B – changing slight things in the game, the system is one I will stick with but we can change roles and jobs.

“I was pleased overall, there’s some problems to work on, in terms of reacting and wanting the ball, don’t stand still, let’s be mobile.

“I’ve loved every minute of it. Nerve-wracking and I wanted it to finish at one-nil. They scored with seconds left, but I’m really pleased for the lads and now it’s about confidence and going on a run.''

He added after a frantic few days: “It’s been a busy few days, the texts, well-wishes on Twitter and people signing songs in the car about me – it’s been surreal.''