Phenomenal first half helps Pools back into top seven

HARTLEPOOL United moved back into the National League play-off places as an impressive first-half display laid the foundations for their win at Yeovil Town.

Dave Challinor's men took just two minutes to open their account at Huish Park as former Sunderland man Luke Molyneux rounded off some neat approach play from Rhys Oates to tap into an empty net from close range.

The pressure continued to come from the visitors as they created a whole host of chances to double their advantage before the halfhour mark.

Oates almost added a goal to his assist on 12 minutes when he headed sent a David Ferguson cross narrowly wide and Molyneux was denied his second of the game moments later when his low drive was saved.

However, there was nothing Glovers keeper Adam Smith could do to prevent his side falling further behind on 36 minutes as Gavan Holohan beat him from inside the area.

Things got even better for Pools seven minutes later when Tyler Magloire produced a stunning turn and finish to round off a near-perfect opening half from his side.

The hosts gave themselves a chance of mounting a comeback just as the half-time whistle was about to blow as Joe Quigley's shot beat Pools keeper Henrich Ravas.

Boosted by reducing the arrears just before the interval, it was the hosts that seized the initiative after the restart as they controlled possession in the opening stages of the second half.

Captain Rhys Murphy had a goal disallowed for offside as Darren Sarll's side went for a more direct approach in their attempts to get back into the game.

Pools, to their credit, remained resolute as their defence repelled a whole host of aerial balls that were played into their area.

And the efforts of their defenders were almost rewarded with 12 minutes remaining when Holohan came close to adding to their lead with a low shot that narrowly evaded the far post.

But Challinor's side saw out the remaining time with minimal fuss to ensure that they bounced back from their midweek defeat against Wrexham in impressive fashion.

YEOVIL TOWN: Smith, Bradley, Williams (Duffus), Wilkinson, Burke, D'ath (Lloyd), Smith (Rogers), Warburton, Skendi, Quigley, Murphy Subs: Palmer, Worthington.

HARTLEPOOL UNITED: Ravas, Cass, Ferguson, Magloire, Johnson, Crawford, Featherstone, Holohan, Molyneux (Shelton), Donaldson, Oates (Parkhouse) Subs: Ofosu, Grey, Odusina.