Goals:
1-0: Keena (32, close range tap-in after a smart move on the right which led to Shelton’s cross being met)
2-0: Shelton (52, struck into the corner from the edge of the area after Pools opened up the visitors on the left)
Booking: McAlindon (foul 70)
Referee: Karl Evans (Manchester): Nothing to get involved in, didn’t have to make any big decisions 7
Attendance: 3766
Entertainment: 4/5
HARTLEPOOL UNITED (4-2-3-1):
5 Beeney: Yet to convince he’s a first-choice goalkeeper for Pools. Flapped at one first-half cross, but made some steady routine saves from long-range shots later
8 Southam-Hailes: A composed and very effective debut at right back after moving on loan from Fleetwood last week
7 Liddle: Initial loan is up, but Pools will look to extend it to the end of the season. He wants to stay, Pools want him to stay
6 Odusina: Started slowly, but grew into the game and looked willing and able once he settled. Comfortable on the ball
6 Kitching: Got forward in the second half when Pools were well on top and Challinor is expecting a more rounded player in this new-look defence;
7 Featherstone: Another astute and smart performance as he dictated the tempo for Pools in the second half
7 Holohan: Enjoyed the chance to get forward and try his luck, hoping to add to his decent goal tally this season;
6 Donaldson: Drove his team forward at times, without being as directly influential as some others were
7 Shelton: Fine finish for Pools’ second goal, took up the right position to sweep home from 18 yards, and broke away to create the opener
6 Toure: Back in after his ban and, amid a quiet opening half, he came into his own when Pools were well on top in the second half;
7 Keena: Hard ask to play up front without a direct partner, but showed his willingness throughout. Was a bit of a nuisance all afternoon and wanted to get into the area to get on the end of Shelton’s cross.
Subs:
Mafuta (for Keena 87)
Molyneux (for Toure 90)
(not used): Muir, Hawkes, Anderson.
STOCKPORT COUNTY (4-2-3-1): Hincfliffe 6; Cowan 5, Palmer 6, Arthur 6, Clarke 5 (Bell 46, 5); Keane 6, Turnbull 6 (McAlinden 70, 6); Thomas 6, Osborne 5, Archer 6 (Minihan 65, 5); Lloyd 6. Subs (not used): Ormson, Walker.
MAN OF THE MATCH: Macauley Southam-Hailes – the most assured of debuts for the loan signing from Fleetwood as he slotted in seamlessly on the right side.
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