Goal:

1-0: Hawkes pen (23, low and the keeper saved stopped it, but the ball squirmed away and just crossed the line)

Bookings: Noble (51, foul); Pearson (57, foul); Jennings (90, foul)

Referee: Marc Edwards (Durham): On control of things throughout, no fuss and got the big calls spot on 8

Attendance: 3,888

Entertainment: 4/5

HARTLEPOOL UNITED (4-2-3-1):

6 Loach: Had two uneasy moments when he came off his line and misjudged crosses, but redeemed himself second time around with a fine save straight away;

7 Kioso: Another mature display at right-back from the 20-year-old. A real competitor throughout, he kept a tight reign on his man throughout

6 Cunningham: Started safely enough and looked comfortable, before his game – and season – was ended by an unfortunate knee injury

7 Kerr: Wants to defend as he does all the right things at the back and looked like he’s played in the Pools back line for years

8 Anderson: Started at left-back and moved into the middle. Willing to take the blows again and won a towering defensive header at the end to help preserve the lead;

6 Noble: Dovetailed well with Featherstone and does have some freedom in this formation to get forward and move around the pitch

8 Featherstone: Always in the right place and always had time and space in midfield to pick up possession and use it well. A fine display;

7 Donaldson: Enjoyed the chance to attack from deep when he could and didn’t shirk his defensive responsibilities too

7 Hawkes: Tame penalty just crossed the line, but always a threat on the ball when he picked the ball up in pockets of space in advanced areas

7 Molyneux: A threat when he gets the ball with his natural trickery, able to cut inside or go outside and constantly looking to create;

8 KABAMBA: The visiting centre-halves, as their manager admitted, couldn’t handle his presence and he held the ball up well, and brought others into play.

Subs:

Kitching (for Cunningham, 30): Slotted into the back four well and was competent in all he did 6

James (for Noble 76)

Bale (for Hawkes 85)

(not used): Holohan, Muir.

WREXHAM (4-2-3-1): Lainton 6; Kennedy 6, Pearson 5, Lawlor 6, Jennings 5; Young 6, Agustien 7 (Spyrou 70, 5); McGlashan 6 (Beavon 61, 5), Wright 6, Rutherford 6; Holroyd 5. Subs (not used): Dibble, Roberts, Deverdics.

MAN OF THE MATCH: NICKE Kabamba – set the platform in the first half especially by giving the Wrexham centre-halves a torrid afternoon.