Hartlepool United goalkeeper named in National League team of the week
Hartlepool United goalkeeper Nick Hayes has been named in the National League team of the week.
The 26-year-old kept his first clean sheet in eight matches as Pools secured a hard-fought 1-0 win over bottom club Truro City on Saturday, making a fine save with his legs to deny Luke Jephcott just after the hour mark in the Cornish capital.
While Pools look to have it all to do if they're to sneak into the National League play-off places - Halifax Town are five points clear of Nicky Featherstone's side, while Southend United have a four-point cushion with three games in hand - the much-needed victory over the Tinners at least kept them in touch with the chasing pack.
Hayes has endured an up-and-down start to life at Victoria Park since sealing a permanent move from play-off rivals Southend in January, keeping three clean sheets in his first 11 matches but also producing a string of uncertain performances.
After Millwall loanee George Evans was unexpectedly recalled by his parent club, Pools had to move quickly to sign Hayes, who had fallen out of favour at Roots Hall.
The goalkeeper arrived in the North East with plenty of National League experience having spent time at Solihull Moors, where he was an important part of the side that reached both the National League play-off and FA Trophy finals in 2024, and Barnet, featuring 25 times as the Bees were crowned champions last term.
Hayes signed for Southend in February last year having previously spent time on loan in Essex in 2023, playing regularly as the Shrimpers progressed to the play-off final last season.
Despite his strong start to his Southend career, the towering goalkeeper fell down the pecking order this term, making just a handful of appearances before being allowed to sign for Pools as he searched for more regular football.
Hayes kept two clean sheets in his first three Pools appearances but has endured several difficult afternoons since then, with fans critical of his lack of assuredness when attempting to deal with crosses as well as his distribution.
Having come under fire for his role in Will Harris' winning goal during the narrow 1-0 defeat to Halifax Town in a play-off grudge match earlier this month, Hayes responded with a strong showing in Truro, earning praise from assistant manager Gary Liddle and securing himself a spot in the National League team of the week.