STEVENAGE (4-4-2): Day 5; Franks 6, Hughes 7, Wells 6, Ogilvie 6; Gorman 7, Schumacher 6, Lee 7 (Hitchcock 82), GORDON 7 (Whelpdale 62, 5); Williams 6, Akinyemi 5 (Pett 70, 5). Subs (not used): Kettings, Okimo, Casey, Conlon.

HARTLEPOOL UNITED (4-3-3):

5 Bartlett: He’s had busier games already this season on a day when Pools never got going;

6 Duckworth: Given a test out wide by Gordon on occasions and stuck to his task

6 Harrison: Busy throughout, and needed to make plenty of recovery tackles when Pools were stretched

4 Bates: An uneasy opening to the game ended by an Achilles injury in the opening quarter

5 Carroll: Steady away on the left, tried to prompt Pools on the attack at times, tried to use the ball well when he had it;

6 Magnay: Didn’t exert the influence he has in other games and looked a touch frustrated when it wasn’t going his way

5 Woods: A few of his little touches failed to come off this time and didn’t get much time in possession

6 Featherstone: Busy, went looking for possession and worked away, keeping the ball, without reward;

4 Fenwick: Never got going on a very frustrating afternoon when he struggled to make any impact

5 Paynter: Little service for 70 minutes and then he started to fire into gear and get involved

6 Bingham: Had two good openings to score and he was lively as the game progressed.

Subs:

Boyce (for Bates 17): Early introduction and, while he won his share of headers, he looked a bit rusty at times 5

Oates (for Fenwick 60): Should have scored but let down by a heavy touch 6

Nelson-Addy (for Woods 71)

(not used): Denton (gk), Walker, Jones, Smith.

MAN OF THE MATCH RHODELL Gordon – looked the most likely to create an opening