JABO STRIKES TO THE HART!

PROFILIC has never been an adjective to describe Jabo Ibehre – until now. Since moving to Carlisle in the summer, the striker – four goals all last season – now has nine goals to his name after his double finished off Hartlepool.

In a game which never let up from start to finish, the big man netted an 85th-minute winner as the Cumbrians followed up Tuesday’s Capital One Cup win at QPR with a first league victory of the season.

And satisfied boss Keith Curle praised the mental strength of his players after the victory.

“It was a good game with two teams who knew the pride that was involved,” he said. “We were here in our numbers and were vocal.

“I don’t think we performed football-wise, but sometimes it’s about results. The way we won really taught me something about our character.

“We know there is a strength within us as a group that’s growing. The better we do, the stronger it grows.

“In this kind of game, it’s different ingredients that are needed and we found the right mix.

“We know there is a strength within this group which is growing – mentally and physically and we have a very honest group of players here who are learning.’’

Pools took the lead on six minutes, as centre-half Scott Harrison smashed in a fine volley on the turn from the edge of the area.

At the other end, the Pools goal led a charmed life. Bastien Hery missed a header before Michael Duckworth cleared off the line.

Hartlepool almost got a second as Rakish Bingham cracked a drive against the frame of the goal.

Jason Kennedy, at the other end, missed from close range after Adam Bartlett saved from Ibehre.

But the visitors levelled on 57 minutes, Ibehre touching home a header from close range after Pools were opened up on the left side by Kennedy.

Pools were back in front on 70 minutes. Kennedy pulled down Scott Fenwick in the area as a free-kick was delivered.

Billy Paynter, the ex-Carlisle front man, netted calmly from the spot, after the Cumbrians protested loudly.

The advantage didn’t last long – with another goal coming down the same flank as their first.

Tom Miller was given time and space to cut inside onto his left and fire home a cross-cum-shot.

Ibehre was denied by some frantic defending in the penalty area, before his winner arrived when Fenwick was bundled off the ball by Danny Grainger and he picked out Ibehre to tap in.

Deflated Pools boss Ronnie Moore said:“We were too brittle at the back. We needed the full-backs to do more. Too many crosses came into our box from their wide men.

“We get in front with a penalty and then you see the game out, you don’t lose the game. It’s about being professional.

“Miller’s goal changes the game. He’s tried to whip it in and it’s done everyone.

“But then sit tight, don’t get caught. We didn’t get out to Grainger and he could pick his spot.”