Ten-man Hartlepool United succumbed to a dramatic 3-2 defeat at the hands of Woking at The Laithwaite Community Stadium, surrendering a two-goal lead to lose in the dying minutes. Joe Grey’s early double salvo looked to have set the visitors on course for a comfortable victory. His first, a well-taken finish in the 3rd minute, was followed just six minutes later by a second, expertly assisted by Emmanuel Dieseruvwe, leaving Woking reeling.
The match took a decisive turn in the 25th minute when Hartlepool’s Jack Hunter was dismissed for a second bookable offence. The red card forced Hartlepool into a reshuffle, and Woking began to capitalise on their numerical advantage, gaining a foothold in the match. Both sides made changes before the break, with Woking notably introducing Dennon Lewis in an attempt to turn the tide.
Woking manager Michael Doyle made two further changes at the interval, bringing on Matt Ward and Charley Kendall, and these substitutions proved instrumental in their comeback. The Cards were finally rewarded for their increased pressure in the 68th minute. Jamie Andrews provided the assist for Matt Ward to slot home, offering Woking a lifeline.
With momentum firmly on their side, Woking continued to press forward. Their persistence paid off in the 79th minute when Olatunji Akinola levelled the score, with Ward again providing the assist. The atmosphere at The Laithwaite Community Stadium became electric as the home side sensed victory. Deep into added time, it was Ward who turned provider once more, setting up substitute Harry Beautyman to score a dramatic 91st-minute winner, sparking wild celebrations amongst the Woking faithful.
The victory sees Woking climb above Hartlepool in the National League table. Having won one and drawn one of their previous two encounters against Hartlepool in recent seasons, Woking now sit 4th, while Hartlepool drop to 10th.