HARTLEPOOL UNITED, with new boss Dave Jones looking on from the stands, recorded a welcome 2-0 home win over Stevenage.

Pools were bossed by Sam Collins, the club’s under-21 coach, for the game with Jones, appointed on Wednesday, looking on and his new assistant managers in the dug out with Collins.

There was a marked improvement from Pools from the off as they moved the ball around well and got in behind the visitors.

Pools had not beat the opposition in nine previous attempts, but were always in control of this one.

A couple of low shots from distance into keeper Jamie Jones asked questions, before it all happened in the build up to half time.

Pools were awarded a penalty on 41 minutes, but Rhys Oates’ low kick was saved.

Oates was impressive throughout with a bustling centre-forward’s display,.

But Pools took the lead within a minute as Nicky Featherstone crashed in from close range – his third of the season.

And before the break, Brad Walker, who was instrumental in midfield on a rare start, swept in after being set up by Oates.

Stevenage twice hit the frame of the goal in the second half, but Pools controlled the game with some tidy football, got in behind the opposition and played with a real attacking purpose.

HARTLEPOOL UNITED (4-3-3): Bartlett; Donnelly, Bates, Harrison, Kavanagh; Woods, Featherstone, Walker (Laurent 81); Hawkins, Oates (Amond 74), Alessandra (Thomas 85). Subs: Catterick (gk), Martin, Richardson, Rodney.

STEVENAGE (4-5-1): Jones; Lee, Henry, Wilkinson, Franks; Schumacher, Gorman (Tonge 73), Pett, Kennedy (Loft 83), Cowans (McQuoid 60); Godden. Subs: McAnuff, Liburd, Day (gk), Johnson.