Former Sunderland left-back David Ferguson praises Hartlepool United's fitness levels and character following 2-1 win at Chesterfield

Pools went behind to a Tom Denton penalty before Ferguson’s low ball into the box deflected in off Chesterfield defender Will Evans to level the score.

The United left-back was at it again five minutes later as his pin-point cross was turned in at the near post by debutant defender Ryan Johnson. And that secured another victory for Pools as they continued their perfect start to the new season.

Following the win, Ferguson said: “We could have been better in the first half, the gaffer [Dave Challinor] told us that.

“But it was really good character from us to come back after going behind to win 2-1 – it shows how good the lads are.

“You try not to get dragged into the game and the gaffer said the ball wouldn’t be in play as much compared to Saturday [against Aldershot Town] so we needed to try and keep it in play as much as we can.

"They tried to slow the tempo down which they did but I think our fitness levels in the second half shone through in the end.

On his two assists, the 26-year-old added: “Getting forward is my game and most of the time it’s just my natural reaction to bomb forward.

"The gaffer encourages the full-backs to bomb on so it’s good to contribute. That’s what I want, it’s good personally but just helping the lads win and two wins from two has been the perfect start.”

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