On a day of remembrance for Michael Maidens, Hartlepool United earned a hard-fought 2-0 win at home to Solihull Moors in the Enterprise National League

A first-half volley from Vadaine Oliver and a late winner from substitute Matty Daly secured victory at the Prestige Group Stadium.

Nicky Featherstone made just the one change to the side that drew 3-3 at Sutton United, as Max Kouogun returned from injury, replacing Nathan Ferguson.

Pools pressed aggressively in the opening stages and found their well-deserved opener just past the quarter, when a Luke Charman cross was met by a wondrous backheel from Oliver on the volley and found its way past the hands of Laurie Walker.

On the 25th minute, Pools fans remembered former player Michael Maidens, 18 years on from his passing.

Just 10 minutes later, Oliver almost ‘nabbed’ his second when a long ball from George Evans was misjudged by the Moors defence and allowed Oliver to break through one-on-one with Walker, but he was unable to convert.

Pools’ pressure was mounting as Charman beat his man and delivered a looping ball to the backpost, which almost met the head of an arriving Oliver.

However, Moors almost found an equaliser 16 minutes into the second half, when Tyrese Sinclair cut inside on his right foot and curled the ball off the post

Solihull continued to push for the leveller and with 10 minutes left of normal time, almost found it, when Conor Wilkinson found himself one on one with Evans but the Pools keeper made a big save to deny his efforts.

In the dying stages of the game, Pools sealed the victory and capped off a fantastic performance, when Jamie Miley delivered an excellent ball into the box, which eventually led to Daly, who struck home to seal the three points.

Pools: Evans, Benn, John, Kouogun, Francis, Campbell (72’ Parkes), Charman (80’ Daly), Sheron, Hunter (60’ Miley), Topallaj, Oliver

Unused subs: Smith, Ferguson, Foreman, Johnson

Goals: Oliver (16’), Daly (90+3’)

Attendance: 3011