LUKE’S LIKE NIGHTMARE OVER NOW

LUKE WILLIAMS ended a four-year nightmare to strengthen Hartlepool’s promotion push.

Rhys Oates’ eighth goal of the season was enough to beat WOKING 1-0 and move Hartlepool to within four points of the National League top spot.

It was a milestone for midfielder Williams, who had not started a league game in 1,436 days.

The injury-plagued former Middlesbrough man (above) lasted 70 minutes before being subbed.

He said: “It’s massive, I can’t begin to explain. I came off and I was quite emotional. I couldn’t say nicer things about the club and the people around me who have given me the opportunity to come back.”

Williams had started against Eastleigh in November but that was abandoned and wiped from the record books.

Leaders SUTTON UNITED were foiled by a last-gasp STOCKPORT equaliser from substitute James Jennings.

Midfielder Harry Beautyman’s 10th goal of the season looked like being enough but the hosts had to settle for a 1-1 draw.

Former leaders TORQUAY returned to winning ways when Scott Boden’s goal earned them a 1-0 victory at home to KING’S LYNN.

Gulls boss Gary Johnson, who had seen his side go four games without a victory, said: “Any win is a good win but a win that you need is a very good win.”

There will be no relegation from the National League as the divisions below have stopped playing.

But WEYMOUTH moved clear of the bottom three anyway by thrashing WEALDSTONE 4-0.

Sean Shields scored two as well as setting up goals for Josh McQuoid and Brennan Camp.

Weymouth are now three points ahead of thirdbottom King’s Lynn, and two behind Wealdstone.