EIFION Williams insists he had nothing to prove on Saturday - although his goal won't have done him any harm.

Hartlepool United's leading scorer was relegated to bench duty at Kidderminster, after failing to score since the win at Macclesfield on January 21.

But he came off the sidelines to score a dramatic leveller as Pool stayed clinging onto top spot.

His goal should secure a start as Pool entertain Leyton Orient on Saturday and he said: "I found out I wasn't playing at the hotel, but the gaffer had his reasons and that's all I want to say about it.

"I don't feel I had a point to prove when I came on - none whatsoever. He has just told me to keep going, he said he can't fault my workrate and wished me good luck when I went on.

"I think I've been unlucky in the last few games. Last week against Bournemouth the keeper made a great save where things haven't gone for me, but this time I hit it low - any higher and the keeper might have saved it but I kept it low and it was great to see it go in.

"The timing was ideal for us - I asked the ref after the goal how long was left and he said it was over.

"It was a great time to score, but I thought we played a bit better in the second half.''

Newell was quick to praise his front man and said: "He's kept plugging away and working hard in games and in training, but as a striker you need something to go for you.

"We felt that coming from the bench might do him good. He wasn't dropped for a lack of effort or anything - he just needed a goal.''

* Scunthorpe's Peter Beagrie will miss the game with Pool at Glanford Park on April 19 after being sent off during Saturday's home defeat to Bournemouth.

Rushden won 2-1 at Bristol Rovers. Vitalijs Astafjevs had given the home side a third-minute lead but two goals from Onandi Lowe in the 37th and 68th minutes lifted Rushden to within a point of the Pool.

* Pool's reserve game with Grimsby has been rearranged for Wednesday at Victoria Park (2pm).

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