HARTLEPOOL UNITED recorded their first home win of the season at the eighth time of asking, with a 2-0 victory over Cheltenham.

Pools had not won a league game since April 16 when they beat York, but were good value for their victory.

But defeat for the Robins was their first in ten.

Pools’ keeper Trevor Carson was on the bench for Northern Ireland last night, but flew back for the game and suffered injury on 33 minutes when he appeared to suffer damage to a hannnnd after making a save.

The home side took the lead four minutes into first half added on time.

Lewis Alessandra found space on the left side of the penalty area and his curling effort towards the far post was diverted in by visiting skipper Aaron Downes.

But 25 seconds in the second half, Pools’ replacement keeper Adam Bartlett had to make a fine reaction save to preserve the lead.

Harry Pell’s shot from distance was deflected towards his own goal by Toto Nsiala and the keeper twisted to push the ball away one-handed.

And Pools made the game safe on 80 minutes. Alessandra’s free-kick was powerfully met by centre-half Matthew Bates who powerfully headed home.