Hartlepool win will panic relegation rivals

Pools were full value for the win at Victoria Park, with Jonathan Franks netting twice and Scott Fenwick scoring what turned out to be the winner mid-way through the second-half.

Argyle, who had equalised to make it 1-1 at half-time, scored again late on but Pools held firm to close the gap at the bottom to seven points.

Delighted Moore praised his players afterwards while Argyle boss John Sheridan was left furious with his side’s defending.

The gap could have been clawed back further but Tranmere Rovers, Carlisle United and Dagenham & Redbridge all won.

Despite that, Moore believes Pools picking up a win will put the cat amongst the pigeons at the bottom of the Football League.

“This was a massive win,” said a beaming Moore.

“We were good first half and it was always going to be a right game and we were hanging on at the end.

“But I’ve got to praise them for their effort, commitment and attitude.

“At 3-1, we were in a position we’ve not really been in before.

“We broke away and could have gone four-up, but didn’t.

“They then got a free header at the end to make it 3-2 but there wasn’t enough time left for them.

“The dressing room was a bit upset because of other results but I told them ‘don’t worry about other results because other teams will see our result and have a panic on’,” added Moore, who admitted Argyle should have been awarded a late penalty.

Pools are now seven points off third bottom ahead of a tricky trip to Portsmouth.

Moore knows his players cannot worry about what others teams do, adding their fate remains in their own hands.

He added: “There was a good atmosphere in the dressing room and the players were all pleased.

“One or two were upset when they got the phones out and saw the other results.

“But we can’t worry about that - it is what we do that counts.

“If we win and close the gap and next week get another win then all of a sudden you can drag three or four other teams in.

“There will be a few teams worried we are on a bit of a run.”

Argyle went behind in the eighth minute through Franks’ close range finish before Ryan Brunt equalised for the visitors on the half hour mark.

Further goals from Franks and Fenwick made it 3-1 before sub Olly Lee scored a late second for Argyle.

Sheridan, who is close friends with Moore, wasn’t happy with the defending for the goals.

He added: “It’s very disappointing.

“You just can’t give goals away like that – it’s ridiculous and changed the game.

“I’ve told the players in the dressing room what I thought but I won’t name names.”

– RICHARD MENNEAR