BILLY’S BOOST FOR BOSS’ KID
WITH their manager missing, Hartlepool United made it three wins from three to provide Ronnie Moore with a perfect pick-me-up.
Moore last week flew to Spain to be with his family, after his young daughter fell ill and was admitted to hospital with pneumonia.
In the capable hands of assistant boss Sam Collins, Pools turned in a dogged and determined display to see off a physical York City and give Moore a boost.
The manager is expected to be back in the dugout for Tuesday’s home game with Newport – but on this display there’s no rush for him to be back.
The Minstermen were strong and direct and turned the screw on Pools in the first-half, but couldn’t find a breakthrough.
Reece Thompson gave them the lead in the second-half, bundling in from close range for his first goal since stepping up to the professional game from Frickley Athletic.
But Pools’ skipper and talisman Billy Paynter fired his side level with a sublime finish from 18 yards before Michael Woods won it.
And both managers agreed, Paynter’s piece of magic changed the whole complexion of the game.
After being fed by Jake Carroll, Paynter arced a tremendous shot high into the top corner of the net to send the 1,834 away fans wild.
“I felt Billy Paynter was the difference from the moment he produced that bit of magic, it changed the mindset of everyone in the game,’’ bemoaned home boss Russ Wilcox.
And Collins said: “Billy scored a superb goal. If he keeps doing what he is doing – everything he touches turns to gold.
“He works hard, never stops and what a goal.’’
Paynter now has three goals in three games for Pools since signing from Carlisle in the summer.
He was up against three dominant home defenders in the first-half as the Minstermen won the physical battle by some distance.
Pools’ keeper Adam Bartlett was inspired in the opening half, as he was busy from the off. From a high cross for Vadaine Oliver, the striker climbed above Matthew Bates and his low header was kept out. The stopper then tipped over a Dave Winfield header and Jake Carroll knocked off the line from a Russell Penn header.
Defender Scott Harrison allowed Oliver in but his low effort curled into Bartlett. Pools had two first-half chances, Woods denied by Winfield before Rakish Bingham curled wide of the far post.
But Pools’ first win at Bootham Cresent since 1988 was sealed as Woods turned in Bingham’s cross from close range.
Wilcox added: “It’s a cruel game, I asked lads to be more entertaining at home this season and for the first 45 minutes we were.We had numerous openings and eight corners but it boiled down to what happens in both boxes and we needed to be a bit more clinical in there.’’
And Collins beamed: “The lads were different class.We didn’t play as well as we have done, but away from home you have to dig in.”