A tense National League encounter at the Suit Direct Stadium saw Hartlepool United secure a 2-0 victory over a struggling AFC Fylde side. The opening half was a cagey affair, with neither team able to carve out any clear opportunities. The first notable incident came in the 26th minute when AFC Fylde’s Nick Haughton was booked for a foul. The teams went into the break goalless.
Changes were afoot at half-time, with AFC Fylde introducing Max Bardell for Bryce Hosannah. Hartlepool responded later, bringing on Kazenga LuaLua for Joe Grey in the 62nd minute. A seemingly defensive substitution from AFC Fylde followed in the 67th minute, with defender Lincoln McFayden replacing striker Charlie Jolley. However, this change seemingly played into Hartlepool’s hands, as they broke the deadlock just three minutes later, in the 70th minute. Tom Parkes found the back of the net, assisted by David Ferguson, giving the home side a crucial 1-0 lead.
Hartlepool, now in the ascendancy, made another change in the 75th minute, with Anthony Mancini replacing Luke Charman. AFC Fylde’s frustrations grew as Gavin Massey received a yellow card for a foul in the 79th minute. With time ticking away, Hartlepool made their final substitution, introducing Gary Madine for Emmanuel Dieseruvwe in the 87th minute. The impact was immediate. Madine doubled Hartlepool’s lead in the 88th minute, sealing the victory and sparking celebrations amongst the home support. Madine’s elation was tempered slightly as he was shown a yellow card for a foul in the 93rd minute.
The 2-0 win moves Hartlepool up to 12th in the National League table, while AFC Fylde remain in 22nd. The result further extends Hartlepool’s slight historical advantage over AFC Fylde in their recent head-to-head record.