Ben Clark Is Spot On As Hartlepool Beat Tranmere

Hartlepool United had Ben Clark to thank after he slotted home a late penalty to beat Tranmere

New signing Keigan Parker was placed straight into the starting line-up alongside Lewis Guy as Pools made just one change for the visit of Tranmere Rovers.

At a rather windy Victoria Park the chances were few and far between, on one occasion Arran Lee-Barrett's goal kick ended up in the hands of his opposite number, John Achterbeg, after being caught in the wind.

Achterberg was on hand to palm Andy Monkhouse's early effort around the post and a later long range effort from Ritchie Humphreys in what was a poor first half.

HT: Hartlepool 0 Tranmere 0

Former Poolie Ian Moore made his first return to the Vic since leaving over a year ago and his shot at the start of the first half was no problem for Lee-Barrett.

Tranmere were restricted to long range efforts and Pools took the lead with 20 minutes to go. Ritchie Jones' mazy run left the visitors for dead and his defelcted cross was fired home by Michael Nelson.

However, within a minute the Super Whites were level after a long free kick was poorly dealt with, this allowed Ben Chorley to nip in and head home to bring the scores immediately level.

Ben Clark had an headed effort go just over the top of the bar before he finally got his name on the scoresheet. A foul on Lewis Guy in the box saw referee Carl Boyeson point straight to the spot and up stepped Ben Clark to slot home the winner.

A second winner from the penalty spot in the space of 8 days and 7 points from 9 have seen Pools climb well away from the relegation scrappers and we sit comfortably in mid-table tonight.

FT: Hartlepool 2 Tranmere 1 Hartlepool: Lee-Barratt, Sweeney, Nelson, Collins, Humphreys, Jones (Henderson 90), Liddle, Clark, Monkhouse, Parker, Guy (Mackay 85).
Subs not used: Cook, Rowell, Foley.

Tranmere: Achterberg, Edds, Chorley, Kay, Taylor, Sonko, Henry (Gornell 85), Jennings, Barnett, Shuker, Moore.
Subs not used: Coyne, Cresswell, Waterfall, Macauley.

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