Hartlepool United 2-0 Notts County
- Published
Hartlepool moved to the top of the National League as they made it 14 games unbeaten with victory over Notts County.
Pools started brightly, but it took 18 minutes for the first chance of the game when striker Richie Bennett's shot deflected wide.
Mark Shelton came close to the opener for the hosts, but his low drive from the edge of the box took a touch off a defender and fizzed off target.
County had posed little attacking threat, but should have taken the lead after 35 minutes when Kyle Wootton headed over when unmarked.
However, Hartlepool went in front in first-half stoppage-time when Shelton knocked the ball to Gavan Holohan in the area and he stroked home his 10th goal of the season - and his fourth in as many matches.
Bennett stung the palms of Magpies goalkeeper Sam Slocombe, and at the other end Jake Reeves' effort was not far away from an equaliser.
Callum Roberts came on for the visitors with 20 minutes left, but went off injured just eight minutes later, leaving Notts with 10 men for the closing stages.
Hartlepool doubled their lead with four minutes left when Bennett fired home from a corner.
Match report supplied by PA Media