Pools all but secured their National League status for another season after Mani Dieseruvwe’s 18th minute penalty, his 21st league goal of the season, and a header from Tom Parkes four minutes from time helped them to a 2-0 win over play-offs hopefuls Aldershot.
It was a third successive home clean sheet for Pools, who have taken seven points from the last nine available since their humbling 7-1 defeat at local rivals Gateshead.
Here’s how the players rated from an impressive afternoon at the Suit Direct Stadium:
5. Louis Stephenson: 7
Made one or two mis-steps, which is understandable for an 18-year-old with just a handful of first team appearances to his name, but again showed why he is so highly-rated at Pools. For all he benefits from playing alongside Parkes and Waterfall, he helps the experienced pair with his pace, allowing the teenager to nullify the threat from runners in-behind. Has already become a firm fan favourite and, on Saturday's showing, it's easy to see why. Photo: Mark Fletcher
6. Nicky Featherstone: 7
The skipper screened the back four and allowed Tom Crawford to operate in a slightly more advanced role. As ever, showed off his footballing intelligence with some shrewd reading of the game as well as his ability with the ball at his feet, turning out of tight spaces on a number of occasions. He might not be the most dynamic, but his quality in possession has made him essential to Pools. Was booked for dissent but his incessant chatter served his side well as he organised and instructed. Photo: Mark Fletcher
7. Tom Crawford: 8
Enjoyed a really good game and adapted well after Phillips made a slight adjustment, moving him a bit further forward. Not discounting one moment of real quality, he could still make more of an impression with the ball at his feet but he did a lot of the dirty work and never allowed any of the Shots midfield the time or space to dictate the tempo. Flew into challenges, covered a lot of ground and looked like he was relishing the situation as the game became slightly more confrontational towards the end. You'd imagine he slept well on Saturday night. Photo: Mark Fletcher
8. Callum Cooke: 7
Was excellent in the first half, saw plenty of the ball and distributed it well despite the blustery conditions. Again demonstrated his willingness to empty the tank after being made to do a lot of work without the ball after the break. While he might not be the most athletic, Cooke never leaves anything out on the pitch and always runs himself into the ground, which sometimes negates his threat as a creator but is admirable nonetheless. Passed up a late opportunity but it didn't matter as Parkes scored from the resulting corner. Can be really pleased with his afternoon's work. Photo: Mark Fletcher