Dave Challinor on the impact of Stockport County loanee Richie Bennett to Hartlepool United's promotion push

Goals from Gavan Holohan and Bennett at the end of either half helped Pools to a 2-0 win over rivals Notts County in front of the BT Sport cameras on Saturday evening as they went top of the National League table.

It’s the first time the side have been top of the table since the opening weeks of the season.

Bennett is on loan from play-off promotion rivals Stockport County but they do have a recall option after 28-days.

The forward has made an impressive start to life at Victoria Park.

And Challinor says he adds another option to the forward line and it helps relieve some pressure from the shoulders of Luke Armstrong too.

On Bennett, Challinor said: “He gives us options.

"Luke is not off his game but things haven’t dropped for him in the past couple of games so it’s nice to be able to take the pressure off him and as much as every game is a must win game in terms of how we go about things, there are probably bigger games towards the back end of the season.

"As much as we want to try and win every game, our aim is to get into the play-offs and we want everyone refreshed and ready to go.

"If we have the option to rotate things at the top end of the pitch and remain a threat then it obviously makes things easier for ourselves.

“Yeah, potentially [they could recall him] but that’s their prerogative.

"From our side of things, with Oatesy having a niggle at the time, we just needed a body in and we’ve got someone in who has contributed to what we’re doing and if that’s for the next two weeks then that’s for the next two weeks.

"I’m not too fussed and we’ll deal with things when they happen.

"Richie is obviously playing here, enjoying his football and if you’re a forward player scoring two goals in two games, you’re not going to be happier.”

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