Hartlepool United manager Dave Challinor discusses the impact of former Morecambe forward Rhys Oates in win at Yeovil Town

The 25-year-old has been mostly limited to second-half cameo appearances in the National League so far this campaign with his only previous start coming in the goalless draw against Bromley at Victoria Park last month.

But Oates was given an opportunity following an ankle injury to striker Mason Bloomfield during Tuesday night’s defeat against Wrexham.

And just two minutes into the match at Yeovil, the forward had already made an impact as he burst into the penalty area and dinked a pinpoint ball across the face of goal to set-up Luke Molyneux’s opener.

Oates twice came close to scoring and continued to be a thorn in the side for the Glovers’ defence during the afternoon as he was named as the North West Corner’s man of the match for his efforts.

And Pools boss Dave Challinor was pleased with the forward’s contributions despite a tricky start to his season.

“Oatesy has been unfortunate so far this season,” said the 45-year-old.

“His first start against Bromley, he should have scored two or three and we should have won. He then picks up a little niggle for the Ilkeston game where we go and score six.

"He’s then out for a bit and comes back in for the Salford game where he does a real job for the team. If we’re being critical of him and we’ve spoken to him about it, over the course of that game, we’re looking at how many shots he’s having and how much he’s working the goalkeeper in addition to those horrible bits he does for us.

"That’s the bit he knows he needs to improve on. We know he needs to get himself a goal and our forwards are all going to be judged on their numbers.

"You might not have the best of games but if you score two and set one up then it’s a completely different outlook on the performance.

"We know what we’re going to get from him, he’s the most honest lad you can have.

"He’s had to be patient and deserved his opportunity, he’s just got to get that goal now.”

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