HARTLEPOOL United are hoping to avoid a one-game suspension for defender Peter Hartley.

The centre-half was yellow carded on Saturday, for a foul on Scunthorpe winger Nicky Ajose - but the offence was committed by left-back Evan Horwood.

It was Hartley's fifth caution of the season and will rule him out of Saturday's home game with Yeovil.

But yellow cards can be overturned on cases of mistaken identity and DVD footage backs up Pools' case.

"The only disappointment to the day was Peter's booking because he insists he was nowhere near the situation,'' said Mick Wadsworth. "It's his fifth as well and that means a suspension.

"We thought it was for kicking the ball away at one point but then the forth official said it was for tugging his shirt, but Peter wasn't in that incident.

"I think we have a case for an appeal with mistaken identity.

"We'll look at the DVD and if that's the case, which we're 99 per cent sure it is, we'll hopefully get it overturned.''

Wadsworth was full of praise for goalkeeper Andy Rafferty, who was starting in the absence of the suspended Scott Flinders.

The 23-year-old ex-Darlington trainee was sold throughout and the first-team coach said: "Young Andy had a terrific game.

"He didn't have too much to do in terms of shot after shot, but he was assured and was a great insurance for the backline because he held on to everything.

"He was nervous coming into the game but I was pleased for him.

"It's only his second start and he's had to be patient.

"He works very hard and is part of that goalkeeping union with Gary (Walsh) and Scott.''

He added: "We haven't won at Scunthorpe for 21 years apparently and that shows what a difficult place it is to come.

"It's a great victory because I think Scunthorpe are a better team than what they've shown.

"But they're lacking a little bit of confidence, a bit like us at home.

"Against anyone, though, that was a good performance.

"They've had very few chances and we've defended excellently.''