Goal:

0-1: Allen (29, corner was cleared, but defence didn’t move out in unison and when the ball was returned, attacker was free to touch and fire home)

Bookings: None

Referee: Peter Wright (Merseyside): Let down by a couple of hopeless assistants who were scared to make simple calls. Denied Pools a penalty at the death 4

Attendance: 3,954

Entertainment: 2/5

HARTLEPOOL UNITED (4-3-3):

6 Loach: Exposed for the goal, and other than that he wasn’t tested. Showed he likes to come for crosses, even if he badly missed one in the second half;

6 Magnay: Captain and tried to lead by example. Got forward when he could from the right and saw a lot of the ball

5 Laing: Steady if unspectacular debut. Cleared his lines simply when he had to. An understanding with Harrison in the middle of the back four will improve with games

5 Harrison: Had a similar game to his defensive partner, while he was content to challenge Bird for the high balls flung their way

4 Donnelly: Never looked comfortable for the first hour when he was regularly beaten by Allen as the visitors used his pace to play in behind the left-back;

5 Woods: Never got going in a busy midfield. Replaced at half-time as Pools changed both personnel and formation

5 Hawkins: Roamed around in the manner accustomed, but didn’t get to grips with the game or see enough on the ball. At his best when he’s busy and keeping the ball moving

5 Newton: Wanted to get on the ball, but his passing radar was a bit off. Will be an influential figure this season as he drives through midfield;

5 Munns: Had the odd first-half moment which lifted the crowd, before he was replaced at the break in a tactical change

6 Amond: He’s been there before playing up front on his own. Happier with some support second-half, but didn’t get much change from a packed defence

6 Donaldson: Found more space second half as he tried to attack and get into the area, but didn’t have much direct impact.

Subs:

Cassidy (for Woods 46): A welcome addition to the forward line and showed within minutes the value of having someone able to hold the ball up and bring others into play 6

Oates (for Munns 46): Introduced on the left wing and did try and forge some openings from the flank 5

Deverdics (for Hawkins 81)

(not used): Catterick (gk), Richardson.

DOVER ATHLETIC (5-3-2): Walker 6; Passley 6, Gallifuoco 6, Parry 5, Essam 6, Ilesanmi 6; Richards 6 (Daniel 82), Nortey 6 (Pinnock 80), Brundle 5, Allen 7 (Sho-Silva 63, 5); Bird 6. Subs (not used): Essuman, Adebowale.

MAN OF THE MATCH Jamie Allen – his pace and direct nature was the main part of the visitor’s first-half game plan and he caused problems.