Victoria Park played host to a hard-fought English National League encounter as Hartlepool United edged out Woking with a 1-0 victory. The decisive moment arrived in the 57th minute courtesy of Chris Popov, whose first goal for the club ultimately separated the two sides and ended Hartlepool’s run of three consecutive league defeats.
The opening period saw both teams probing for an advantage, although clear-cut opportunities were initially scarce. Woking threatened first when Chinwike Okoli’s early header was cleared off the line by Will Harris, before Hartlepool began to establish themselves. Jack Hunter headed narrowly wide in the 12th minute, while Brooklyn Ilunga was unable to convert another opportunity ten minutes later.
The intensity of the contest was underscored by a yellow card shown to Hartlepool’s Reiss McNally in the 19th minute for a foul. Woking also received a caution, with Zico Asare booked in the 31st minute. Hartlepool were then forced into an early change when goalkeeper Max Merrick was replaced by Nathan Fisher in the 33rd minute.
Hartlepool continued to threaten as the first half progressed. Will Harris was unable to generate enough power from a Jack Nolan cross around the half-hour mark, while Chris Popov saw a deflected effort pass narrowly wide before later creating a headed opportunity for Harris. Despite the pressure, the sides went into the interval goalless.
Hartlepool resumed on the front foot after the break. Harris released Popov shortly after the restart, forcing Will Jaaskelainen into a save, before the Woking goalkeeper denied the forward again after he capitalised on a mistake from Zico Asare.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 57th minute. Brooklyn Ilunga delivered the ball into the area, Will Harris guided it into the path of Chris Popov, and the forward converted from close range to give Hartlepool a 1-0 lead.
Both managers made changes as the second half progressed. Hartlepool introduced Jordan Hugill for Harris in the 67th minute and Terry Bondo for goalscorer Popov a minute later, before Cole Deeming replaced Liam Gibson in the 71st. Woking also turned to their bench as they searched for an equaliser.
The visitors came close to drawing level in the 78th minute when new signing John Marquis worked his way into a dangerous position and fired towards goal, only for Neo Eccleston to produce an important goal-line clearance. Woking continued to press during the closing stages, and substitute goalkeeper Nathan Fisher was called upon to make a crucial stoppage-time save from Marquis to preserve Hartlepool’s advantage.
Hartlepool defended resolutely through the final minutes, and the final whistle confirmed a valuable 1-0 victory. The result ends their three-match losing streak and moves them onto nine points from six league games, with three wins and three defeats. Woking remain on four points after six fixtures and continue to occupy the lower reaches of the table.
