Hartlepool Utd 2: Boston Utd 0 - CHRIS Turner called for a reality-check and fans to keep up the good work ahead of last night's clash with Boston United.

But if he wants the former he is going to have to stop his players from playing like they did in the second-half against the Third Division new-boys.

It was 2-0 - with a brace from last season's top scorer Gordon Watson - and it could have been so many more. Turner had warned to expect the unexpected from Boston and in the first half, after a bright opening, the hosts were a little cagey. But once Watson had poked in Pool's first of the evening nine minutes after the interval there was no going back.

A second from the same player, a penalty, even led to the Town End's hero receiving a standing ovation from many sections of the stands when he was replaced late on by Jermaine Easter.

There was some promising play coming from Pool's left, but it was Pool's right-back Michael Barron who had their first real shot at goal. The skipper's drive, however, failed to trouble Boston keeper Paul Bastock.

Three minutes after the restart a quality cross-field ball from Ritchie Humphreys was chested down by Watson, but his shot on the bounce was deflected into the side-netting by Jim Rodwell.

Referee Graham Salisbury and his assistant failed to spot the block, but they did spot the touch from a Boston man when Arnison's powerful shot missed the target. And from the resulting corner Pool grabbed the opening goal.

Humphreys' corner from the right fell to Barron at the back post, whose shot was blocked in the melee. But the ball fell nicely for Watson and the much-travelled front-man tapped in.

The nerves were settled and Pool's confidence grew - with Watson hungry for more.

And, after Watson had headed against the bar from Humphreys' knock-down, the former Southampton man struck in a penalty after Tinkler was brought down in the penalty area by Boston sub Peter Costello.

MATCHFACTS

Goals: Watson (54mins, 1-0; 77, pen 2-0)

Bookings: Cook, Lee, Tinkler, Clarke, Weatherstone (foul)

Attendance: 4,841

Referee: Graham Salisbury (Preston)

POOL (4-4-2): Williams 7; Barron 7, Lee 7, Westwood 8, Robinson 7; Clarke 7, Tinkler 7, Arnison 7 (Sweeney 88), Humphreys 8; WATSON 9 (Easter 88), E Williams 7 (Henderson 90). Subs (not used): Bass, Provett.

Boston (4-4-2): Bastock 6; Hocking 6, Rodwell 5, Warburton 6, Chapman 5; Weatherstone 7, Bennett 6, Ellender 6 (Costello 58, 6), Gould 5; Cook 5, Clare 6. Subs (not used): Monnington, Angel, Town, Conroy.

MAN OF THE MATCH

Gordon Watson - two goals and could have had many more.

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