Goals:
1-0: Gray (60, storming run and a deft cross from Woods was met acrobatically on the volley and the midfielder crashed the ball home)
1-1: Butterfield (66, picked his spot and arrowed into the bottom corner from 20 yards after Pools failed to deal with the ball on the edge of their area)
1-2: Bent (85, left-footed rising shot across Carson after a low cross from the left bounced up into his path)
Bookings: None
Referee: Darren Bond (Accrington): Pools felt they were denied a couple of penalties for heavy grappling in the penalty area, but generally the official was on the mark 6
Entertainment: 4/5
HARTLEPOOL UNITED (4-4-1-1):
8 Carson: Made three fine saves to deny Bent and Blackman when the Rams pressed and he was always alert to deal with pressure;
8 Richards: Swung over some tasty crosses from the right on his first start this season. Somehow kept going to the end, driving forward – and he was also up against a tricky customer in Camara
7 Jackson: First-half especially he shackled Bent superbly, getting the better of him time and time again.
7 Harrison: Strong and dominant in the middle of the back four in the manner he is capable of. A confident performance meant Pools didn’t miss the authority Bates brings
6 Carroll: An improved performance – safe at left-back and looked better than he has been of late. Perhaps a rest has done him good;
5 Oates: In and out of the game, had a bigger impact first half and went quiet for periods as the game went on
7 Featherstone: Very busy and efficient in the middle of the park. When he gets on the ball and passes it, he prompts Pools and dictates their game
7 Woods: Barnstorming run and a lovely cross for Pools’ goal, and he enjoyed the whole-hearted midfield battle
8 Hawkins: Full of energy and running out wide on a rare start after being recalled from a loan spell at Spennymoor. Showed his ability and a willingness to compete;
8 Gray: In an advanced role, the midfielder flourished and was a dominant force in the opening stages. Took his goal superbly well;
6 Fenwick: A tough ask to play up front alone, but put a solid and honest shift in. Lacked support at times in the role.
Subs:
Walker (for Gray 80)
Bingham (for Featherstone 87)
(not used): Bartlett (gk), Oyenuga, Jones, Nearney, Smith.
DERBY COUNTY (4-2-3-1): Mitchell 6; Shotton 6, Pearce 6, Buxton 6, Warnock 5; Baird 6, Hanson 6 (Russell 46, 6); Blackman 7 (Wiemann 76), Bryson 6 (Butterfield 66), Camara 7; Bent 7. Subs (not used): Grant (gk), Bennett, Christie, Ssewankambo.
MAN OF THE MATCH TREVOR Carson – Pools didn’t deserve to lose and the goalkeeper didn’t deserve to be twice beaten
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