Alex Reid scored for the third game running as rampant Hartlepool United continued their unbeaten start to the Enterprise National League with a 3-0 win over Woking.
Jermaine Francis’ guided header opened proceedings before another header, this time from Cameron John, made it two heading into half time. The second half followed in familiar fashion with Alex Reid slotting home the third and final goal of the game.
In a low-key opening few minutes, Reiss McNally saw his volley on the edge travel just shy of Craig Ross’ right sided post following a set-piece.
Another effort would follow from a set-piece not long after, this time for the away side as Olly Sanderson’s well-controlled volley from a similar distance went wayward.
A breakthrough occurred just on the half-hour mark after Besart Toppallaj, from the halfway line, floated an excellent ball towards Francis inside the box, who rose high to head it into the top-right corner.
Pools’ second came after Woking failed to clear their lines from a corner, allowing Danny Johnson, from the byline, to find John at the back-post, who bundled in within the six-yard box.
Reid got Hartlepool off to a flyer at the start of the second half after Matty Dally’s lifted ball over the Woking backline set Reid through, who calmly rounded the keeper and buried it into the net.
Harvey Cartwright was called into action just before the hour as Josh Osude stormed forward for the Cardinals; however, his low drive was easily collected by the keeper.
Aiden O’Brien would then be found inside the box by Osunde before his first touch effort sailed high over the crossbar.
Inside injury time, Cartwright was forced into making a fantastic reaction save after a fumbled ball inside the box fell for Sam Ashford, whose shot was stopped by the onrushing keeper.
Pools: Cartwright; John, Kouogun, McNally, Sheron ©, Francis (Folarin 85’), Johnson (Charman 76’), Miley (Walker 63’), Reid (Campbell 63’), Topallaj, Daly (Hunter 76’)
Unused subs: Parkes, Smith
Goals: Francis 30’, John 42’, Reid 47’
Attendance: 3416
