A ten-man Hartlepool United endured a difficult start to 2026 in the Enterprise National League as they were beaten 4-0 at the hands of Woking at the Laithwaite Community Stadium

Goals from Oliver Sanderson, Chinwike Okoli, Harry Beautyman and substitute Ashley Boatswain proved decisive.

Pools Manager Nicky Featherstone made a single change from the side that secured victory over Rochdale, as Reiss McNally returned to the starting XI for the first time since September.

Early Woking pressure forced George Evans into action, making two sharp saves to deny Aiden O’Brien.

Caleb Richards delivered an inviting cross from the left on 11 minutes, which was met by Sanderson, who rose highest to power a header beyond Evans.

Woking doubled their advantage on the half-hour mark when Okoli reacted quickest inside the box to convert from close range.

Things became more difficult just before the interval when Cameron John was dismissed after a late challenge on John Osude, leaving Featherstone’s side facing the second half a man down.

After the restart, Evans was again required to keep the scoreline respectable, producing a fine save to deny Jamie Andrews.

Pools struggled to create clear-cut chances, with McNally going closest, first with a header and later a volley, both of which drifted wide.

Any remaining hopes of a comeback were ended with 14 minutes remaining as Beautyman calmly placed his effort into the bottom left-hand corner. Substitute Boatswain added a fourth late on, firing home after being picked out by Tariq Hinds.

Pools: Evans, Benn, John, Kouogun, McNally, Campbell (Brown 67′), Charman (Francis 67′), Sheron ©, Miley, Reid (Johnson 67′), Daly (Hunter 45′)

Unused subs: Smith, Parkes, Ferguson

Away attendance: 188