Hartlepool United Women bounced back from their 12-goal mauling at Thornaby when a fantastic performance brought their first win of the season against Gateshead.

Four second-half goals took Pools to a 5-2 victory over the Heed, much to the delight of Martin Mulcaster, who was in charge of the squad in place of the unavailable Alex Curl.

Before the game all 15 players were told how important they would be and so it proved, with the entire squad sharing the player of the match award.

“The ladies deserved the three points and battled very hard,” said Mulcaster.

“They won their individual battles and defended well as a team – we’re really proud of them.”

In the early exchanges, Pools were only kept out by some fantastic saves from Gateshead keeper Carly Salmon.

It was Gateshead who, against the run of play, took the lead with their first and only shot of the half.

Pools thought they had equalised soon after, but Zara Johnson was adjudged to be offside.

However, Pools did equalise moments later when Zara Johnson found Libbie Trainor inside the 18-yard box to slot home.

Pools started the second half very strongly and deservedly scored a further four goals from Zara Johnson, Morgan Johnson, Charlie Geary and a fantastic individual effort from Emily Booth.

Gateshead added one more to make the final score 5-2 at Metcalfe Park.

Image: Michael Ibbotson