Late Christmas Present for Tigers

Dean Keates

Dean Keates gave City the lead midway through the first half. Gary Alexander passed the ball to him inside the box, he turned and then put a right foot chip over Hartlepool keeper Anthony Williams and into the net.

Gary Alexander - recalled in place of Phil Jevons - had a first time shot tipped over by Williams, and City were good for their 1-0 lead at half time. Alexander and Stuart Elliott also had chances but poor control let them down.

City should have made it 2 in the opening stages of the second half. Williams' clearance only found Alexander on the edge of the area, but his wayward shot at the open goal hit a defender. Elliott then hit the post with the rebound, and both were left to look on, realising that they ought to have doubled the lead.

Stuart Green

Pools then threatened to get an equaliser, but Stuart Green was on hand to calm City's nerves and give them a 2-0 cushion. Dean Keates' excellent through ball put Green one-on-one with Williams, and he finished cooly to get his 6th of the season.

City confidently defended the lead for the final 15 minutes, and won the three points to the delight of the 22,319 crowd.

City line-up (4-4-2): Musselwhite; Regan, Joseph, Anderson, Delaney; Green (Dudfield), Ashbee, Keates, Melton; Alexander (Jevons), Elliott (Whittle).
Un-used subs: Deeney, Webb.