Hartlepool United 2, Doncaster Rovers 1.

AS far as new signings go, the journey undertaken by Godwin Antwi-Birago to Hartlepool has been an unusual one.

Born in Ghana, the central defender, capped by Spain at under 19 level, arrived on a season-long loan from Liverpool in the summer.

But Antwi, who moved to Anfield from Real Zaragoza in 2005, has already showed why he is highly-rated by Rafa Benitez and he has swiftly attracted plenty of new suitors around Victoria Park.

In three displays this season, Antwi's athleticism in defence has stood out. Netting the opening goal in Saturday's win over Doncaster Rovers endeared him further.

Meeting Jamie McCunney's cross from Robbie Elliott's short corner, he towered in an unstoppable header which crossed the line via the underside of the crossbar.

Antwi first caught the eye last season, impressing against Pools while on loan at Accrington Stanley.

He was already on the Pools radar long before that and it's testimony to his game that Ben Clark has been unable to start the season, despite being part of the record-breaking back four last campaign.

"Godwin has done very, very well so far for us,'' admitted assistant manager Ian Butterworth of the Liverpool reserve captain. "He's started the season ahead of Ben, but I'm sure along the season there will be three of them fighting it out for two places.

"It's pleasing that we got a goal from a corner - we had wasted a couple before then, but it then came off.

"You like to see your central defenders scoring goals and you want something like six or seven from them each season.

"Last time Micky (Nelson) and Ben got one or two. It's something we have looked at and something we will work on, but Godwin took that one well.

"Everyone has really taken to him already. He's a tremendous athlete and we've got him all season, hopefully we can improve him even more.''

He added: "You need players to show grit in both penalty areas and we've got a few players like that. Richard Barker, Micky Nelson are two of them.

"Barks will always put his neck on the line, he takes the knocks and we knew that when we signed him. Some lads don't like going back there and getting stuck in, but he doesn't shirk it.

"He grinds defenders down, he's awkward to play against for defenders, he's always in their faces and makes it hard.

"Even if he doesn't win the ball, he makes it difficult for them because he's always there. He's a big asset for us.''

Before taking the lead, Pools closest opening came from an Elliott free-kick. Some of his dead balls were amiss, but this one curled across the six yard box and out of reach of the advancing Micky Nelson and Richard Barker.

James Brown had the visiting defence as comfortable as a Hampshire supporter at Lord's as he turned them inside out and back to front in one first half batch of trickery.

Rovers didn't play the swift passing game associated with their manager Sean O'Driscoll and, with Paul Heffernan dropping deep from the front, there was a lot of congestion in midfield, which somewhat stifled playmaker Richie Whellans.

Antwi produced an intelligent covering run and tackle to halt Hayter in the second-half after a slip on halfway while in possession from Elliott.

But Rovers were soon level, James Coppinger crossing for Hayter to flash a header past Jan Budtz.

Brown won the match-winning penalty, Mark Wilson tripping him over inside the penalty box and Barker drilled in his second spot kick of the season.

Two minutes later, Elliott was dismissed. He let Coppinger get goal side and tugged at his shirt. Referee Mike Dean wasn't interested, but an assistant's flag decided the incident was worthy of a foul and Dean showed a second yellow without hesitation.

"His first booking was a bit soft,'' added Butterworth. "The second one, we thought it was inside the box, thankfully it was outside.

"But there was a lot of bookings and a sending-off, you have to adjust to it. The referee was very positive when it came to showing yellow cards. You have to look if they are right or wrong afterwards - at least he was positive with them!''

It was Pools fifth sending-off in their last six games and three players - Elliott, Ali Gibb and Andy Monkhouse will be suspended for Saturday's game at Port Vale.