Torqauy United 0 Hartlepool United 2: How did Pools rate?

Scott Loach: Where would Pools be without him? Certainly not a point off the top seven. Outstanding yet again. 8

Liam Donnelly: Began the game at right-back but switched to the centre of defence, where he was excellent. 8

Louis Laing: Has had his detractors but stepped up to the plate when Pools needed a commanding figure. MOM. 8

Michael Ledger: Found the going tough against a vibrant frontline and was switched to right-back and came off after taking a knock to the face. 5

Blair Adams: Provided the only threat in the first half and set up the first goal with a great ball. Hesistency almost let in Reid, but otherwise a good return. 7

Nicky Featherstone: Like his team-mates was off his game in the first half but totally on it after the break. 6

Jonathan Franks: Started out on the right and was full of running but his goal when he got in a more central area proved the key to victory. 7

Luke George: Handed his full debut and played his part in the centre of the midfield. 6

Michael Woods: Like Featherstone little went right for him in the first period but much more like his normal self after the interval. 6

Nicky Deverdics: A similar story for the left-footer who got his wish of a more advanced role. Good in second half. 6

Rhys Oates: The forward summed up the team display perfectly, anonymous in the first half but a giant in the second. Great header and after that a superb leader of the line. 7

SUBS

Richardson (for Ledger 62): Came on at right-back and was absolutely flawless, deserves a start at Morecambe this Saturday. 7

Harrison (for Oates 87): Sent on up front, where he relished the run about but one of the blocks of the season at the death to keep it 2-0. N/A

Munns (for Woods 90): Time-wasting exercise for Pools and got a four-minute run-about. N/A

Unused Subs: Hawkins, Simpson

Booked: Donnelly 61

Torquay: Dorel, Efete, McGinty, Gowling, Higgins (Lathrope 67), Young (Anderson 85), Evans (Dowling 67), McQuoid, Myrie-Williams, Reid, Keating.

Unused Subs: Clarke, Klukowski

Referee: David Rock. Apart from blowing up for a foul, when Torquay were on a breakaway, and only adding four extra minutes, he was excellent. 8

Attendance: 1,987 (away 159)