Goals:

1-0: Oates (27, smashed in confidently from close range after Thomas had a shot pushed out)

1-1: Kennedy (78, cut inside from the left to curl in a fine effort from 25 yards)

Bookings: Threlkeld (foul 29), Harrison (foul 55), Taylor (foul 66)

Referee: Andy Haines (Sunderland): A bit of a stinker, and too inconsistent in making the decisions 4

Attendance: 3,684

Entertainment: 4/5

HARTLEPOOL UNITED (4-5-1):

7 Fryer: Played with an authority beyond his experience and two first-half saves were vital in keeping Pools level;

6 Richardson: Looked a little edgy at first, but stuck to his task and grew into the game as it progressed

8 WALKER: Won the majority of his headers, tackles and challenges. Slotted in seamlessly to a role which is new to him

8 Harrison: Switched on from start to finish, towering and commanding in the air and always willing to spray balls forward

7 Kavanagh: Was up against an opponent far greater in size and stature, but gave as good as he got and Jervis was later replaced;

7 Oates: Right place for his goal, always tried to get forward, helped out defensively too in one of his best performances

6 Alessandra: Effective in making himself available in midfield, dropping deep and roaming for possession

6 Featherstone: Deep central role, kept it simple and gave a typically industrious performance

7 Woods: When he drives forward from deep he gives Pools an extra dimension and he was a regular breaker from midfield

7 Thomas: Played with some drive and pace, his third game in a week. Three months out and he will be key to Pools in the coming weeks;

6 Amond: Didn’t get many openings and needed support from deep. Chased and harassed the visiting back four constantly.

Subs:

Nelson (for Thomas 84)

Hawkins (for Nelson 88)

(not used): Bartlett (gk), Smith, Martin, Hawkes.

PLYMOUTH ARGYLE (4-2-3-1): McCormick 6; Threlkeld 6, Sokolik 7, Bradley 5, Sawyer 6; Songo’o 6 (Donaldson 71), Fox 6; Jervis 7 (Spencer 61, 6), Kennedy 7, Carey 6; Taylor 7.

Subs (not used): Bulvitis, Slew, Blissett, Dorel, Tanner.

MAN OF THE MATCH Brad Walker: A revelation at the back, looked like he had played there for years.