Hartlepool United got back to winning ways with a thrilling 3-2 win over Newport County in Wales
After an own-goal opener, Pools hit back with first-half goals from Jamie Sterry and Luke Molyneux, before Neill Byrne got his first goal after Rob Street had put Newport on level terms.
Pools enjoyed much of the opening 15 minutes, with chances for Molyneux, bogle, and Sterry, but it was Newport that took the lead. A free-kick was whipped into the box and in trying to defend his goal, Omar Bogle turned the ball into his own net.
The goal spurred Pools on further, and Molyneux almost hit back immediately but his shot was saved. Then, in the 35th minute, Graeme Lee’s side were on terms. Jamie Sterry’s Cruyff-like turn saw him spin a defender and his low finish left Day with no chance.
Crawford had a chance to give Pools the lead just before the interval, but his shot was blocked. Minutes later, Pools wouldn’t be denied again. Molyneux expertly latched onto Ferguson’s cut-back and his low finish rippled into the back of the net.
Newport started the second half on the front foot, and their relentless pressure eventually saw the Welsh side get back on level terms. Good running down the right got Newport into a good position and Street connected with the ball and fired high into the net.
No sooner had Pools been pegged back than they were back ahead. A deep cross into the box found Neill Byrne, and the Irishman connected well and bagged his first goal for the club. From then, Newport piled the pressure on, permanently camping in the Pools half.
Good defending from Pools, and in particular Time Odusina, saw Newport repelled though, with the hosts limited to hopeful balls over the top or sideways passes. A Scott Bennett scissor-kick was as close as Newport came, but it was Pools that claimed the three points at Rodney Parade.
Pools XI: Killip; Byrne, Liddle, Odusina; Sterry, Smith (Fletcher 63), Featherstone, Crawford, Ferguson; Molyneux, Bogle (Carver 67)
Unused Subs: Bilokapic, Hull, Ogle, Francis-Angol, Grey
Attendance: 4,768 (156 Poolies)