Hartlepool United continued their impressive start to the National League season with a dominant 3-0 victory over Woking at The Prestige Group Stadium. The result reflected Hartlepool’s control and clinical finishing, leaving Woking searching for answers after another disappointing performance.
Hartlepool asserted their authority in the first half, breaking the deadlock in the 30th minute when Jermaine Francis scored, assisted by Besart Topalloj. The home side continued to press, and their efforts were rewarded in the 42nd minute as Cameron John found the net, assisted by Danny Johnson. Woking struggled to gain a foothold, and their task was made more difficult by an early substitution in the 36th minute, with Sam Ashford replacing Oliver Sanderson in a tactical reshuffle. The half concluded with Hartlepool firmly in control, leading by two goals.
The second half began similarly to the first, with Hartlepool extending their lead just three minutes after the restart. Alex Reid, assisted by Matty Daly, added his name to the scoresheet in the 48th minute. Woking attempted to respond, but their efforts were largely ineffective against a well-organised Hartlepool defence. As the second half progressed, both managers made changes to their lineups. At half-time, Woking introduced Jamie Andrews and Josh Osude, replacing Chinwike Okoli and Harry Beautyman. Hartlepool brought on Brad Walker and Adam Campbell for Jamie Miley and Alex Reid respectively in the 64th minute. Further substitutions saw Jack Hunter and Luke Charman enter the fray for Hartlepool in the 77th minute, replacing Matty Daly and Danny Johnson. Woking’s Tim Akinola came on for Jack Turner in the 81st minute, and Jermaine Francis was later replaced by Sam Folarin in the 87th minute.
In the closing stages, Woking’s frustration grew, leading to yellow cards for Aiden O’Brien in the 71st minute and Tim Akinola in the 88th minute. Despite their efforts, they were unable to breach the Hartlepool defence.
The victory propels Hartlepool United further up the league table. Having played four games, they now boast three wins and one draw, accumulating ten points and placing them in a strong position early in the season. Conversely, Woking find themselves near the bottom of the table with zero points from four games, having conceded ten goals. While previous encounters between the two sides have been closely contested, this match was a clear demonstration of Hartlepool’s dominance.