Hartlepool United 3-1 Harrogate Town: Pools reach round three as Josh Umerah scores twice

Hartlepool booked their place in the third round of the FA Cup for the second season in a row with a home win over 10-man Harrogate.

Pools, who were knocked out in the fourth round by Premier League Crystal Palace last term, fully deserved to be two up at the break against a Town side who played over half the match with a man short following Joe Mattock's red card.

Callum Cooke's first goal since moving to the Suit Direct Stadium put Hartlepool ahead in the 41st minute before Josh Umerah slotted in a penalty in first-half stoppage time.

Umerah added the third 19 minutes from time before Harrogate pulled one back two minutes later through substitute Josh Coley.

Harrogate, sitting five places and four points above their hosts in League Two, lost defender Mattock for a second caution after fouling Umerah for the penalty.

Hartlepool controlled things before Cooke struck a thunderous 20-yard free-kick through a crowded box beyond Peter Jameson.

And Umerah sent the keeper the wrong way from the spot after Mattock, who had already been booked, brought the forward down.

Hartlepool goalkeeper Alex Cairns, signed on an emergency loan from Fleetwood earlier in the day, did make a low save to deny Josh Falkingham from distance, otherwise the hosts were in control.

Umerah added his 10th of the season with a powerful finish after substitute Joe Grey rolled him in to make sure, even though Harrogate's Coley pulled one back two minutes later when he was left unmarked in the area.

Match report supplied by PA Media.

Hartlepool manager Keith Curle told BBC Radio Tees:

"The players went out and played with that urgency and competitiveness that we need.

"There's nothing better than saying well done to a player but if things aren't going well you need to speak honestly.

"Callum has got goals in him and one of the notes I gave him was to be a creative goal threat."

Harrogate boss Simon Weaver:

"It was a surprise performance, how timid we were. We didn't pass the ball well enough, there was a distinct lack of quality and application. The lads who came off the bench showed a step up in intensity.

"We conceded a free-kick that led to the first goal then the sending off of Joe Mattock and the penalty was bitterly disappointing.

"It is not fair on the players who came on if they are as dejected as the rest of the group. But we didn't show enough personality."