Goal:

0-1: Atkinson (66, fired in across Scott Flinders after Pools failed to clear at the back following a break down the left)

Bookings: Bookings: Barrett (45, foul); Jones (66, foul)

Referee: Graham Salisbury (Preston): He seemed to be in control for the most of it and was helped out by an assistant when Pools hoped Dan Jones had scored after his shot hit the bar 6

Attendance: 5,393

HARTLEPOOL UNITED (3-5-2):

7 Flinders: Maintained his run of good form and solid handling. Exposed for the only goal and went up for a last-gasp corner;

7 Harrison: Solid at the back again and moved up front where he was a threat. At times tried to do too much when he was playing as a striker when he needed to be up against the defenders

6 Mirfin: Always a composed presence at the heart of defence and did what he always does. Got some crucial blocks in and helps those around him

6 Jones: Seemed a little flustered at times at the back, particularly after the goal, but never shirked his responsibility at all and his use of the ball was good;

7 Austin: Rejuvenated of late and this was the Neil Austin of old again – solid and fully committed in the tackle, looks happier on the right either at wing back or full back

8 Featherstone: Immense first-half in which he prompted Pools and always wanted the ball in tight situations and circumstances

7 Tshibola: Two games in four days won’t do his groin injury much good and did look laboured a bit, but came through it strongly

6 Walker: Moore was disappointed with his role in the decisive goal and was soon replaced. A solid first-half, tired as the game went on

7 Duckworth: Always trying to get forward and the wing-back role is suited to his adventurous game;

5 Hugill: Injured after 12 seconds making the first challenge of the game. Eye injury to be assessed and Pools need him fit and available

6 Franks: Took a while to get going, little service for the most of it, but he did make his mark when Pools switched to 4-4-2 and he moved wide, cutting inside to good effect.

Subs:

Harewood (for Hugill 5): Won four headers in as many minutes when he arrived, put himself about and that’s just what is needed 7

Hawkins (for Walker 57): Twice went close, and his overhead kick at the death would have been a spectacular leveller. Energetic on the right side 6

(not used): Maxted (gk), Nelson-Addy, Richards, Smith, J Jones.

SOUTHEND UNITED (4-4-2): Bentley 7; White 8, Bolger 8, Barrett 9, Coker 8; Atkinson 6, Leonard 8, Timlin 8, McLaughlin 6 (Piggot 68, 6); Corr 5 (Weston 73, 5), Cassidy 5 (Worrall 68, 5). Subs (not used): Smith (gk), Payne, Deegan, Binnom-Williams.

MAN OF THE MATCH Adam Barrett – has faced Pools on plenty of occasions over the years and this stand-out performance will take some beating. Fully committed and defended with authority.