CRAIG HIGNETT praised his Hartlepool United players after securing a deserved win over Wrexham.

Third in the National League, the visitors were second best at the Super 6 Stadium.

Pools won thanks to Josh Hawkes first-half penalty. The spot-kick was blocked by keeper Rob Lainton, but crept over the line.

The crowd appreciated Pools efforts throughout and Hignett said: “It was a proper team performance. Everyone played the part. We looked dangerous and organised and the only disappointment was we didn’t take the breakaways we had later on.

“I was more comfortable in the performance and display as we went along.

“It was enjoyable, the crowd were good. The atmosphere was fantastic and it helps the lads, hopefully we can keep them coming and enjoying it.

“Everyone, crowd, players, club has all pulled together of late. Different class.

“It’s down to hard work and we have changed the way we play, they’ve all took it on board and have confidence. Results breed confidence and we have only lost two in ten. We are still a work in progress, but we can see the football we are moving towards.

“I’m really pleased for everyone here.’’

Opposite number Bryan Hughes said: “We weren’t good enough to be totally, brutally honest. We allowed them to dictate the play in the first half and win the second balls. The striker Kabamba was causing us all sort of problems and we made them look a better team than what they really are.

“We tried to play a little bit in spells, but overall it wasn’t good enough. The penalty was down to individual mistakes. Our decision-making process, especially from the back four, was all over the place.''