Goals:

1-0: Armstrong (13, burst forward and his low shot went through Loach)

2-0: Armstrong (32, tapped in from close range into an empty net after a swift counter attack)

2-1: Noble pen (James fouled and midfielder sent the keeper the wrong way from the spot)

Booking: Tinkler (28, foul)

Sending-off: White (83, foul)

Referee: Andrew Miller (Consett): When both teams, both sets of supporters too, are critical you he’s had a bad afternoon. Again. 4

Attendance: 2678

GATESHEAD (3-5-2): Pears 5; Kerr 7, Williamson 7, Mellish 7; Tinkler 7, White 5, Hunter 6, Molyneux 7, Barrow 6 (O’Donnell 51, 6); Boden 6 (Rigg 66, 5), Armstrong 7. Subs (not used): Foden, Thomson, Devitt.

HARTLEPOOL UNITED (4-1-4-1):

5 Loach: Poor goalkeeping as he was beaten for the first goal, Armstrong’s shot going under him;

6 Richardson: Came into his own as the game progressed, ploughing forward on the right and seeing plenty of the ball. Culpable for the second Heed goal as he was caught out

6 Rodgers: Solid if unspectacular in the middle of defence were he looked more at ease than he did on the right last weekend

6 Davies: Got under long balls and didn’t do anything wrong in the middle of the back four after two games in five days on his return from injury

6 Kitching: Tried to get forward in the first-half, attempting to link up with Donaldson on the left;

5 Magnay: A rare start in central midfield for the defender – Money wants to play with a physical presence in there, but is he capable of getting around the pitch enough in there?;

6 Donaldson: First-half saw plenty of the ball and the home side were always wary of his threat as they doubled up on him

4 Hawkins: Recalled from York and given a chance to impress, but made no impact and was replaced shortly after the restart

6 Noble: Quiet first half, but got better as Pools got better too. Crestfallen with the second penalty, which hit the outside of the post

5 Newton: Started on the right and it didn’t suit him, but more involved in the middle and his energy could be an asset for Money;

5 Muir: A thankless task as a lone striker against three centre-halves and he had little support from the midfield in helping him out.

Subs:

James (for Hawkins 50): His willingness to run and get in behind the defence helped Pools change the game around 7

Hawkes (for Newton 81).

(not used): Anderson, Featherstone, McLaughlin.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Luke James, his introduction changed the complexion of the game.