Goals:

0-1: Naismith (54, neat backheel at the near post from six yards after being picked out from a low Evans pass)

0-2: Chaplin (84, low, drilled shot across goal from the edge of the area)

Bookings: D Jones (23, foul); Freeman (36, foul)

Referee: Eddie Ilderton (Newcastle): Could have gave Pools a first-half penalty when Thomas was held back, but generally sound, even if his assistants weren’t 7

Attendance: 5,046

Entertainment: 2/5

HARTLEPOOL UNITED (4-3-3):

7 Carson: Another assured display which showed why he’s a shoo-in for the player of the year award on Wednesday night;

7 Magnay: Had his work cut out against dangerous wide men, but stuck to his task well and came out of the game with credit

6 Bates: Forced off early in the second half with an ankle injury, which could keep him out of the final game at Plymouth

7 Jackson: Mistakes are few and far between for the centre-half on loan from Middlesbrough. How Pools would like him back next season

6 D Jones: A rare chance in the side at left-back and didn’t let anyone down. Took a booking for the team to stop a dangerous counter-attack;

8 Hawkins: Impressive as he roamed for possession, used the ball well in tight situations and kept Pools busy

6 Featherstone: Does that job in central midfield so well, as he sits in and knits Pools together. A much-improved player this season

6 Woods: Had a fine spell in the second half when he was the game’s dominant figure as he got on the ball and used it well;

6 James: Should have notched when the ball was in his feet inside the six-yard area, and gave his usual 100 per cent effort and graft throughout

6 Paynter: Quiet first-half, then came into the game as he opened up before going off to protect his hamstring after a few weeks on the sidelines

7 Thomas: Drove at the opposition at times, could have had one penalty, wanted two, and caused problems when he ran at the defence in the manner he is capable of.

Subs:

R Jones (for Bates 49): Exposed a little when Pools came under pressure, but used his nous to defend well when he had to 6

Oates (for Paynter 67): Should have scored twice, no hiding from that fact 5

Gray (for Woods 76)

(not used): Bartlett (gk), Walker, Bingham, Richards.

PORTSMOUTH (4-3-3): Murphy 7; Freeman 6, Burgess 7 (Tollitt 90), Barton 8, Stevens 6; Evans 7, Doyle 7, Hollands 6; Naismith 7 (McGurk 64, 5), Smith 5 (Chaplin 70, 6), Roberts 7. Subs (not used): Davies, Whatmore, Close, Haunstrup.

MAN OF THE MATCH Lewis Hawkins – grew into the game and will have a big role to play next season.