In a tense encounter at The Prestige Group Stadium, Hartlepool United secured a vital 1-0 victory over Altrincham, with Alex Reid’s late penalty proving to be the decisive moment. The win, hard-fought and earned through grit and determination, provides a significant boost for Pools as they navigate a competitive English National League season.
The opening exchanges were characterised by a robust midfield battle, with both sides probing for an early advantage. Hartlepool, kicking off at 12:30, looked eager to make their mark on home soil. However, the early physicality of the game was underscored by a booking for Hartlepool’s Nathan Sheron in just the fifth minute for a foul. Altrincham responded in kind, with Charlie Kirk receiving a yellow card shortly after for a similar infringement.
The first half, under the watchful eye of referee Aaron Jackson, failed to produce any clear-cut goalscoring opportunities. Both defences remained resolute, marshalled effectively by their respective backlines. Altrincham saw Oliver Crankshaw cautioned just before the interval, highlighting the tight nature of the contest.
The second half began with a tactical shift from Altrincham, as Matthew Kosylo was introduced for Charlie Kirk in the 59th minute, signalling an intent to add more attacking impetus. Hartlepool, meanwhile, continued to battle for control, with Luke Charman and Reiss McNally picking up bookings for fouls as the game remained finely balanced.
The introduction of fresh legs continued as Hartlepool brought on Sam Folarin and Matty Daly in the 73rd minute, replacing Adam Campbell and Jack Hunter respectively. Altrincham countered with Isaac Marriott and Josh Grant entering the fray in the 74th and 75th minutes, as they sought to break the deadlock.
The game remained goalless and teetering on a knife-edge until the 81st minute when Altrincham’s Dan Sassi was shown a yellow card for a foul. The pivotal moment arrived just two minutes later, in the 83rd minute, when Altrincham’s Luke Hutchinson was penalised for a foul, resulting in a penalty for Hartlepool United. Alex Reid stepped up and calmly converted the spot-kick, sending the home fans into raptures and giving his side a crucial 1-0 lead.
The late goal forced Altrincham into a desperate push for an equaliser. Despite their efforts and a flurry of late substitutions, including Liam Humbles and Lucas Weaver for Altrincham in the final minutes, they were unable to find the back of the net. Hartlepool, buoyed by their lead, defended resolutely, with Nick Hayes receiving a late yellow card in the 93rd minute for a foul as they saw out the victory.
This hard-earned three points see Hartlepool United move up to eighth place in the English National League standings with 40 points from 27 games, maintaining their push for a playoff spot. Altrincham, conversely, remain in 17th place with 26 points from 26 games, their recent run of form proving difficult to arrest. The victory for Hartlepool United marks a significant step forward in their campaign, while Altrincham face a period of reflection as they look to turn their season around.
