Goals:

1-0: Featherstone (47, swung a cross into the area and it sailed over the head of the lost keeper)

2-0: Featherstone (60, free-kick from the left side curled into the box evaded all and bounced into the far corner)

Bookings: None

Referee: Ben Speedie (Liverpool): Nothing of any note to get concerned with and was always on top of things 7

Attendance: 3,839

Entertainment: 3/5

HARTLEPOOL UNITED (4-1-4-1)

6 Killip: Two games, two clean sheets on his recall. Rarely tested as Notts never put any testing shots or crosses over;

7 Southam-Hailes: Full of energy and effort. A forward-thinking right-back and his surging run late in the second half showed what he is all about

7 Liddle: Comfortable throughout in the back four. At ease in possession against his former club

7 Odusina: Settled in quickly to form a good understanding with Liddle. Keen throughout and never gave the opposition a sniff

7 Kitching: An accomplished performance, as his improvement on the left side shows. Set the tone from the off with a positive charge in the opening minutes;

8 Featherstone: Two goals in a game for the first time in his career. Controlled the game in midfield, and enjoying his football as much as he ever has;

6 Toure: Could have ran riot, could have caused more problems. Did cause problems, and caused excitement when he got the ball

6 Shelton: Less influential on his usual effervescent standards. Had a couple of efforts without finding the target, but workrate and effort was up there

7 Donaldson: A key component in Challinor’s side and is enjoying the chance to play in a more central role since Molyneux returned to fitness

6 Molyneux: Not quite the impact he had last time out, but a near-90 minute game will do him good and showed what he’s all about later on when he skinned the opposition for fun;

7 Harker: A big ask up front, but won his headers, challenged for everything and linked up play with his teammates well.

Subs:

Mafuta (for Harker 65): Game was won when he was brought on to tighten up the midfield 6

Keena (for Toure 83)

Holohan (for Molyneux 89); Harker (

(not used): Hawkes, Anderson.

NOTTS COUNTY (4-4-2): McDonnell 3; Brindley 4, Rawlinson 6, Long 4, Kelly-Evans 5; Roberts 5 (Osborne 81), Rose 4 (Crawford 81), Doyle 4, Boldewijn 4; Wotton 5, Dennis 4 (O’Brien 46, 5). Subs (not used): Bird, Bagan.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Nicky Featherstone: Two goals, and has proved a vital part in the Pools side. When he plays well, Pools play well.