NORTHAMPTON TOWN (4-4-2): Smith 5; Furlong 7, Cresswell 6, Brisley 6, Buchanan 5; Hackett 6 (D’Ath 68, 5), O’Toole 7, Byrom 5, Adams 6 (Taylor 90); Richards 6, Hoskins 5 (Calvert-Lewin 75). Subs (not used): Diamond, Lelan, Watson, Clarke.

HARTLEPOOL UNITED (4-4-2):

5 Bartlett: Collected and gathered his share of second half corners, but by then he’d already been badly beaten by one;

4 Halliday: Two very promising games, followed by three poor shows. For the opening goal he was exposed after being caught out with a ball played in behind

7 HARRISON: A one-man defensive barrier at times, took on the responsibility of three men in the first-half

3 Boyce: Caught out dawdling for the opening goal, neither he or Bartlett dealt with the corner for the second and lacked aggression as he lumbered around. Needs to be sent back to Scunthorpe

5 Carroll: Up against Hackett who often causes problems for Pools, but didn’t allow the winger too much joy;

6 Smith: Worked away and put in an honest shift on the right, always available and willing to look for the ball

4 Featherstone: Pools never got on top in central midfield and he was too quiet on his return to the side, never got a hold of proceedings

5 Woods: Fine pass cut open the defenders for Bingham to net, but like Featherstone was always second best in the centre of the pitch

6 Oates: Looked a little lethargic at times, but never gave up chasing and trying to get Pools back in the game;

5 Paynter: Didn’t get enough success against the home central defenders – and some of his link up play with his team-mates was off course

6 Bingham: Goal will do him good, pace caused problems all afternoon but was left chasing lost causes on too many occasions.

Subs:

Oyenuga (for Oates 67): Twice had the chance to put the ball into a dangerous area – and twice failed as Pools chased the game 4

Walker (for Woods 75)

Fenwick (for Paynter 90)

(not used): Carson (gk), Bates, Hawkins, Jones.

MAN OF THE MATCH

Scott Harrison – in a sea of defensive mediocrity, he did all he could to stand up to the task