Hartlepool United produced a stirring second-half comeback to defeat Boston United 2-1 at the Jakemans Community Stadium, a ground they hadn’t visited in three seasons. The home side made a lightning start, taking the lead after just four minutes. A slickly-worked move culminated in Cameron Green setting up Jacob Hazel for a clinical finish that sent the home support into raptures. Buoyed by their early advantage, Boston pressed high, forcing Hartlepool into several uncomfortable defensive situations. The visitors, however, gradually weathered the initial storm and began to establish a foothold as the first half wore on. The increasing intensity of the contest was reflected in yellow cards for Boston’s Frankie Maguire and Hartlepool’s Emmanuel Dieseruvwe.
Hartlepool manager John Askey made a tactical change at the interval, introducing Anthony Mancini for Greg Sloggett to add more creativity in midfield. The substitution paid immediate dividends. Just eight minutes into the second half, Mancini levelled the scores, expertly finishing a pass from Roshaun Mathurin. The equaliser galvanised Hartlepool, who now looked the more likely side to score. Boston responded with a double substitution, bringing on Oluwalopemiwa Aderoju and Tom Leak, but it was Hartlepool who found the crucial breakthrough. In the 61st minute, Dieseruvwe, having earlier been booked, redeemed himself with a well-taken goal, assisted by Kieron Freeman.
With their lead secured, Hartlepool made further changes to protect their advantage. Luke Charman, Nicky Featherstone, and Gary Madine replaced Mathurin, Freeman, and goalscorer Dieseruvwe respectively. Boston, desperate for an equaliser, also introduced Dan Mooney and Keaton Ward, but Hartlepool’s defence stood firm, repelling Boston’s attacks. Late yellow cards for Charman and Adam Smith highlighted Hartlepool’s commitment to preserving their hard-fought victory. The result sees Hartlepool climb to seventh in the National League table with 13 points, while Boston remain 19th with 7 points.