Ex-cats get Dave purring

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CLIVE HETHERINGTON

TWO former Sunderland rookies led Hartlepool to a stunning comeback that kept their unbeaten home league record intact.

Left wing-back David Ferguson struck in the 53rd minute to counter winger Sam Hoskins’ goal two minutes earlier.

And striker Luke Molyneux produced an outstanding volley seven minutes from time to lift Pools up to eighth in League Two in their first season back in the EFL.

Manager Dave Challinor said: “We were pretty frustrated with the first 50 minutes or so.

“We made a few changes and, thankfully, the players were able to find a way. We’ve managed to drag out a result and they were two brilliant goals.”

Hoskins was a big threat, curling an early left-wing effort that Ben Killip had to claw away.

And after the break he raced clear to force a fine, fingertip save with a low strike. But he handed his side the lead a minute later with a sweetly-struck volley.

The response was swift, Ferguson climbing at the far post to meet Jamie Sterry’s right-wing cross with a thumping header.

Molyneux was foiled by keeper Liam Roberts and the woodwork, but met Joe Grey’s centre from the left in spectacular style.

Before kick-off, Pools confirmed Clint Hill as their new assistant boss.

Challinor (above) played alongside Hill at Tranmere, and said: “He’s been doing his pro-licence so we’ve been chatting over the past few weeks and I’m delighted.”

It is now five without a win for Northampton.

Boss Jon Brady said: “We have to be smarter and to concede in the manner we did on the counter-attack isn’t good.

“This is a long-term project and, at the moment, we are conceding too many goals.”