MAIDSTONE UNITED 1 HARTLEPOOL Lafayette 90+1 UNITED 2 Woods 25, 88 (pen)

HARTLEPOOL United – who have been fighting for their lives on and off the pitch in recent times – have gone a long way to easing any fears of relegation after they registered their third win in a row away at Maidstone United thanks to two goals from Michael Woods.

Speaking after the match, midfielder Woods described the atmosphere in the Hartlepool dressing room after the match as a “Great buzz”.

The Stones had by far and away the more opportunities on goal in this lively encounter, but the Pools showed a clinical streak in front of goal to make the most of their limited opportunities.

And it was Matthew Bates’ side who took the lead on 25 minutes; Josh Hawkes slipped a neat pass into Rhys Oates, who saw his effort parried by Worgan but the ball broke straight to Woods who side footed it into the empty net for a simple finish.

But the visitors then had Scott Loach to thank as the Hartlepool keeper made a number of notable saves to keep the Stones at bay.

The first was to deny Stuart Lewis, who had driven a powerful shot towards goal, and then in the second half Loach was quickly off his line to divert Greg Luer’s effort over the bar.

The visitors doubled their lead on 88 minutes with a penalty from Woods after Jake Cassidy had been tripped by Alex Wynter.

Maidstone boss Jay Saunders was unimpressed with the Stones’ defending in the lead up, saying: “The second goal was a shambles from our point of view.”

In stoppage-time, the Stones pulled a goal back after Ross Lafayette finished from close range.

Wynter then had a chance to snatch a point for Maidstone, but he dragged the ball when well placed in the dying seconds. STAR MAN: Michael Woods (Hartlepool) ATT: 2,559 ENTERTAINMENT: ★★★★★ REFEREE: Sam Purkiss 7/10