Goals:

1-0: Nsiala (8, knocked in from close range from a right-wing cross)

1-1: Laing (65, corner was headed back into the area and defender touched the ball in)

1-2: Stead (76, Laing allowed to drive forward in possession, and picked out the striker who curled in)

Booking: Paynter (69, dissent)

Referee: Michael Salisbury (Preston): Infuriated and frustrated Paynter as he was rugby tackled by defender Duffy 5

Attendance: 3,708

Entertainment: 2/5

HARTLEPOOL UNITED (4-4-2):

6 Carson: Made saves when called into action and willing to sweep up behind his defence at times;

5 Magnay: Game ended early by a rib injury, which is likely keep him out for a few weeks, and he was missed

6 Bates: So close to a glorious goal when he first against a post

6 Nsiala: Loves throwing himself in front of shots and flying into tackles. A real competitor

5 Carroll: Settled at left-back, he’s a different proposition to the player of 12 months ago;

5 Thomas: A quiet game, appeared frustrated as things weren’t going for him and he didn’t see enough of the ball

5 Featherstone: Saw more possession in the last 15 minutes when Pools went to 433 than he had for the previous hour

5 Woods: Disappeared in the second-half when Notts got on top, and appeared a bit leggy on occasions. Lacked his usual drive

7 ALESSANDRA: Busy and always the most likely Pools player to create anything as he moved left, right and centre looking for openings;

6 Amond: Chased, harassed, but didn’t see enough of the ball in dangerous areas this time

5 Paynter: Replaced in the second-half after frustration got the better of him. Linked up with his teammates all game before going off.

Subs:

Richards (for Magnay 22): Saw plenty of the ball, but his delivery forward wasn’t up to scratch 5

Hawkins (for Paynter 70): Brought some much-needed life to the midfield, but wasted a last chance for a leveller when he scuffed his shot 6

Laurent (for Woods 86)

(not used): Bartlett (gk), Bartlett, Jones,Laurent, Deverdics, Oates.

NOTTS COUNTY (4-4-1-1): Collin 8; Tootle 5, Duffy 6, Laing 7, Dickinson 5; Forte 5 (Oliver 62, 7); O’Connor 6, Aborah 6 (Smith 62, 7), Rodman 5, Campbell 5; Stead 8 (Aufel 90). Subs (not used): Loach (gk), Hollis, Snijders, Burke.

MAN OF THE MATCH Jon Stead – scored, twice hit the post and always a danger.