Hartlepool United's National League play-off hopes hit as Southend and Scunthorpe land narrow wins
Hartlepool United are hoping to make a late push for the National League play-offs during the final two months of the season.
Hartlepool United’s National League play-off bid took a hit on Tuesday when two of their top seven rivals claimed maximum points from challenging fixtures.
Southend United leapfrogged FC Halifax Town into the final play-off place and moved seven points clear of Pools when they edged out current league leaders Rochdale in a five-goal thriller at Roots Hall. The hosts made the perfect start as they found themselves two goals ahead with just 17 minutes on the clock as Andrew Dallas and James Golding both found the net.
Former Pools striker Mani Dieseruvwe got the Dale back into the game before the midway point of the half - but Tom Hopper restored Southend’s two-goal lead ahead of half-time. Casey Pettit’s 20-yard effort ten minutes after the restart kept the visitors in the game but the Shrimpers held on to claim a win that has boosted their hopes of securing a play-off spot.
Elsewhere, Scunthorpe United strengthened their grip on a top seven place as they earned a 2-1 win at bottom of the table Truro City and pushed a side managed by former Pools boss John Askey closer to relegation back into the National League South. Two goals from Leo Farrell and Alfie Beestin put the Iron in control of the contest but they were forced to work for their win as Frederick Issaka got their hosts back into the game just before the break. Neither side were able to find the net during the second half and that was enough to ensure Scunthorpe remained in fifth place in the table and they now have a 12-point advantage on eighth placed FC Halifax Town.
Former Pools defender praised as Heed survival bid rolls on
Two sides sitting just below Pools in the table experienced contrasting fortunes as tenth placed Woking claimed a 1-0 home win against Yeovil Town thanks to a Harry Beautyman goal and eleventh placed Wealdstone fell to a narrow loss against ever-improving Gateshead. A goal from former Ipswich Town youngster Ash Boatswain was the difference between the two sides on a night when Heed manager Rob Elliot praised the attitude of former Pools defender David Ferguson after he came off the bench to help his side to a deserved win at the International Stadium.
The former Newcastle United goalkeeper told the club website: “We are just really pleased with the squad and really pleased with the lads - and a special mention for David Ferguson. An experienced player, he hasn’t had the minutes the last few games but when he’s played he’s been really effective. When he comes on, it’s about his experience, knowledge, aggression and how he is around the dressing room. We don’t want to get too carried away in terms of the results, football can change, we’ve got two very tough games coming up against two very good teams and what the lads are doing is giving themselves a chance and they’re working hard for each other and they’re a proper team and a proper squad and that’s all you can ask for.”
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