Hartlepool United defender named in National League team of the week following impressive showing in Eastleigh win
Hartlepool United defender Cameron John has been named in the National League's team of the week.
The 26-year-old produced an outstanding performance, scoring his second goal of the campaign, as Pools extended their unbeaten run to six matches thanks to a commanding 2-0 win over out of sorts Eastleigh on Saturday.
While the York loanee was typically impressive with his defending, it was his attacking exploits that really caught the eye and the marauding full-back fired Pools into the lead after 49 minutes when his venomous strike cannonned off the inside of Eastleigh goalkeeper Nick Townsend's post and in to put his side in front.
Indeed, the defender could have had another couple of goals, forcing a fine save from Townsend later in the second half before going close again late on following a fluid Pools counter-attack.
At the other end, John helped a Pools side who have one of the National League's best defensive records keep their third clean sheet in five matches.
Pools have now won three and drawn three of their last six matches under interim manager Nicky Featherstone, who hailed Saturday's impressive showing as the best performance of his tenure.
Indeed, it has been a long time since Pools produced quite so complete a display, with Featherstone's side dominating the ball, defending resolutely and causing the hosts a whole host of problems despite the swirling wind and lashing rain.
Although the gap between Pools and the play-off places remains five points after Southend were comfortable 3-0 winners over 10-man Altrincham, Scunthorpe's failure to get past relegation-threatened Braintree means Featherstone's side moved to within seven points of the Iron, who are sixth.
Since signing for Pools on loan from rivals York in the summer, John has been arguably his new side's outstanding performer so far this season, scoring twice in 19 matches and impressing with his composure, reliability and versatility.