Hartlepool United manager Dave Challinor reflects on Eastleigh win and defensive injuries picked up by Michael Raynes and Fraser Kerr

Second half goals from Gavan Holohan and Mark Shelton either side of a fine Sam Smart strike saw Pools claim a much needed three points which saw them rise to 13th in the National League table.

Following the match, Challinor said: “It was a massive three points with us being the only game tonight, it was a big opportunity for us that we needed to take.

“It wasn’t a great night for football, the wind was a really difficult element for us.

"After a busy Christmas, I think our lads gave you the first half off and gave you nothing to write about!

“I got a bit of a sweat on shouting at them at half-time but they responded well.

“We played forward more got the goal which was deserved, it lasted all of 30 seconds but we kept going and got the win.

“It was a really difficult game for us against a really depleted Eastleigh side who had been ravaged by injuries and losing players which made it even more imperative that we won. We got the win and now we can move forward.”

Pools’ evening was dampened slightly by injuries to Michael Raynes and Fraser Kerr who both had to be withdrawn during the match.

“Raynesy has done his quad and definitely won’t be on the trip to Dover on Saturday because it looks quite severe,” Challinor added.

“I think when someone has done something and they’ve done it properly they know – and he knew, so I don’t envisage it being short-term unfortunately.

“Fraser is a difficult one because he went to head the ball and moved quickly and tweaked his back when he landed. It’s just a case of looking at how quickly it settles down after giving him some medication.

“If we need to look at things in a defensive area we will but we were actively looking to strengthen the squad, though whether that will happen before the weekend I don’t know.”