BRAD WALKER sat at the top table, his man of the match champagne alongside him.

For the Hartlepool United midfielder, Saturday could mark a change in fortune; it’s been a long time coming.

Given a rare start under caretaker boss Sam Collins, the 21-year-old’s game time this season was made of up one start and one substitute outing in the Checkatrade Trophy and ten minutes the previous week against Crawley.

His last goal before Saturday was in September 2015, a late winner from close range at Yeovil.

Since then both Craig Hignett and Ronnie Moore have been unable to get Walker back to the form displayed when he performed so well in his debut season in 2013/14.

Now, with a new manager to impress in Dave Jones from today, Walker, on this performance, could have a big role to play.

“We (Walker and Jones) spoke briefly after the game and the new manager just said it was a good start, a great performance and there’s work to be done. He was delighted with the performance,’’ he reflected.

“I’ve been frustrated all season, to be back involved in the squad is nice and I felt I deserved a chance to help the team in front of goal.

“It’s a fresh start for us all, we all had to do ourselves justice.

“The new manager and coaching staff will help up. He’s been to the FA Cup final, managed in the Premier League and the Championship so you can only learn from him.

“It gives us all a lift – he’s probably the biggest name manager this club has ever had. He can only help.’’

Collins also gave a late run out to the returning Nathan Thomas, the winger appearing as a substitute and he was soon into the game, drawing a foul from right back Charlie Lee.

Collins said: “I said there may be two or three little surprises in the squad and there was with young lads involved and Nathan back in the squad. We have some talented kids here.

“There will be changes at the club, I’ve spoke to the gaffer and his staff and I’m looking forward to it a lot. Exciting times are ahead for the club.

“There’s different factors why we did well, I know the players, I knew what I wanted to do and we will always get a reaction to that.’’