Hartlepool United claimed a narrow win at National League basement club Truro City on Saturday afternoon.

Gary Liddle revealed he was pleased to reward the commitment and dedication of over 220 Hartlepool United fans after their side claimed a narrow win at National League rivals Truro City on Saturday.

Despite facing an over 900-mile round trip to the South Coast, Nicky Featherstone’s men were backed by a stunning show of support as a second-half strike from on-loan forward Charlie Caton was enough to see off a home side that now appear increasingly unlikely to be competing in the top tier of non-league football next season.

Liddle paid ‘huge credit’ to the travelling faithful but admitted their show of dedication was not a surprise as he has experienced it on so many occasions during his time with Pools.

He told the club website: “We should start the interview with a mention for the fans. There was over 200 here today and I think I just mentioned it in another interview there, it doesn’t surprise me. I’ve been a part of this club for many, many years now and gone and come back and the support they show for us, whether we are winning games or losing games, being as inconsistent and frustrating as we currently are at the moment, they come and support the group.

“We’ve been lucky that we’ve been able to have the pleasure of a couple of hotel stays and been fed and watered but a lot of them would have travelled last night or this morning. Huge credit to those and I thank them for their support and I’m happy to have played a part in sending them home with three points.”

Important

Worked hard but was a peripheral figure throughout and doesn't look especially well-suited to operating as a lone striker.

placeholder image — Worked hard but was a peripheral figure throughout and doesn't look especially well-suited to operating as a lone striker.

Liddle also had praise for a disciplined and organised Pools defence as they kept a first clean sheet since a goalless draw at Brackley Town in the final week of January. Chances were few and far between for the hosts as they looked to claim a point to revive their slim hopes of avoiding relegation back into the National League South - but that is down to a strong defensive display from Featherstone’s side that earned major praise from their assistant manager.

He said: “It’s back to the old cliche but it’s not just about the back four or the goalkeeper, it’s about the whole team. That’s what you need, I mentioned before the game it’s a mentality thing today. You come up against these teams at the bottom of the league and you’re expected to come out and win three-nil or four-nil. It’s not as easy as that, they’re at the bottom of the league with nothing to play for and it was a tough game but one we got through and got the win and that’s the important thing.”

Your next Hartlepool United read: Charlie Caton the hero as Hartlepool United beat Truro City 1-0