'Superb' - Trio score 8s as Hartlepool United beat Barrow in National League opener

Hartlepool United beat Barrow 2-0 on Saturday afternoon.

Hartlepool United kicked off their 2026/27 National League campaign with a 2-0 win over Barrow on Saturday afternoon.

Will Harris’ sublime first half strike gave Pools the advantage in a full-blooded affair at Victoria Park, before Jack Nolan struck to put the result beyond doubt.

Here’s how we rated the home side in their opening day victory...

Max Merrick - 7

Happy to come and collect crosses all afternoon long. Had little to do in the way of shot-stopping, but his confidence was an asset and his distribution was largely encouraging.

Jay Benn - 6

A useful and ever-present outlet on the front foot. His decision perhaps could have been better on occasion, but overall, did well. Went off injured just after the break.

Liam Gibson - 7

Looked a little unsure on a couple of occasions early on, but grew into the game well and hit his stride before he was forced off through injury after the break.

Reiss McNally - 8

Commanding in the air and assured in the tackle. Made a habit of thwarting danger before it was given a chance to truly develop. A brilliant defensive showing.

Cameron John - 7

Defended astutely throughout and looked to push on whenever he could. A solid showing.

Brooklyn Ilunga - 7

Plenty of endeavour without much in the way of end product early on. Eventually got his reward with a stellar assist for Harris’ opener.

Jack Hunter - 7

A real presence in the middle of the park. Matched Barrow’s physicality well and showed why he has been entrusted with the armband this season.

Jamie Miley - 7

In a constant battle with opposite number Scott Smith, and very much gave as good as he got. Improved as the match progressed, putting himself about well, and reacted quickly to release Ilunga in the build-up to the opener

Jack Nolan - 8

Had a couple of sighters during the opening exchanges and looked to stretch the defence wherever possible. Put together a number of eye-catching runs and took his goal impeccably.

Will Harris - 8

Always looked to cause a nuisance, held the ball up well, and showed on numerous occasions his technical adeptness. Rewarded with a superbly taken goal to open the scoring.

Chris Popov - 6

A willing runner on the shoulder of the last man, albeit with little in the way of meaningful impact. Replaced by Jordan Hugill.

Neo Eccleston (Sub) - 7

Came on for the injured Benn early in the second half. Defended sharply whenever called upon.

Maxim Kouogun (Sub) - 6

A no-nonsense display at the heart of defence. Could have doubled Hartlepool’s advantage with a header from close range.

Jordan Hugill (Sub) - 6

Spent most of his cameo chasing lost causes, but did well in the build-up to the second. He’ll have better opportunities to prove his quality this season.