Dave Challinor on a 'hugely satisfying' win for Hartlepool United at Notts County as they end 2020 second in the National League table

Luke Armstrong’s fifth goal in five league games proved to be the difference between the sides as County were reduced to 10-men late on.

Pools had to withstand pressure from the hosts throughout the second half at Meadow Lane but they were just about able to hang on for the three points as Notts County had a late goal disallowed.

“It’s a really difficult place to come and there were contrasting halves if you like but we got to show different attributes that you need to come here and win,” Challinor said afterwards.

“We had some good play and control in the first half and some real grit, determination and a bit of luck in the second which culminates in three massive points for us.

“Decisions have gone our way with their disallowed goal and the red card but when you look at Mason Bloomfield’s face afterwards I don’t think they can have too many complaints.”

The match winning strike came after 19-minutes as Rhys Oates drilled the ball in for Armstrong to turn into a virtually empty net.

“It was a great goal,” Challinor admitted.

“Gav [Holohan] got the ball in a good area and we wanted to threaten around the back and his pass was weighted brilliantly which made Oatesy’s mind up to put the ball in first time with real pace.

"It’s a great ball in and the finish looks easy but Luke has a habit of doing that.

"You could say you can’t miss, some do but he certainly doesn’t and he gets another winning goal for us.

“It’s hugely satisfying because we threw it down to the players that what happens this afternoon could tell us a great deal whether we’ve got what is required to stay in a fight where we are in the table.

"We go second and regardless of the table and games played, the players in particular can take an awful lot of satisfaction from that – it’s a great way to end a difficult year.”

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