It’s a Pools party for boss Kev
HARTLEPOOL United produced back-toback wins for the first time since August as Kevin Phillips’ rejuvenated side climbed to 11th in the National League.
An early first half goal from Michael Cheek gave Bromley a deserved lead but that effort was cancelled out by Mani Dieseruvwe’s headed finish. Kamarl Grant’s own goal midway through the second half ensured the Pools made the long journey back to the north-east with three points.
It was a victory that delighted Pools manager Phillips felt his side deserved.
“We knew it would be a huge challenge today, but since I’ve come through the door I’ve seen the side gradually grow in confidence,” the former South Shields boss said. “We knew if we stuck to the gameplan and defended well we could get something out of the game if we took the opportunities that came our way. It’s a hell of a result and I am delighted for the players and fans”.
It was Bromley who drew first blood inside the first ten minutes. Corey Whitely did well to beat Luke Waterfall to the ball before crossing for Cheek to tap in at the far post.
Joel Dixon had to be alert to stop further efforts from Cheek and Whitely but it was Dieseruvwe who equalised just shy of the half hour with Hartlepool’s first shot on target.
Nicky Featherstone’s cross was met by Dieseruvwe who arced a powerful header beyond Smith.
Bromley could have retaken the lead but Dixon was again at his best this time denying Ashley Charles a debut goal with a stunning one-handed save.
On the stroke of half-time the on-loan Millwall debutant Kamarl Grant saw his header shave the outside of Dixon’s left-hand post.
Pools came out better in the second half and but for a fantastic double save from Smith, would have taken the lead. Featherstone’s cross was met by Tom Crawford but Smith denied the midfielder and then Waterfall’s follow up.
On the hour mark the visitors got the goal they deserved. Callum Cooke’s strong run through the middle of the park freed Joe Grey who saw his cross turned home past his own goalkeeper by Grant.
Cooke could have added a third but his fierce 20 yard crashed against the bar.
With the Pools minutes away from a crucial three points, Bromley nearly fashioned an equaliser purely of the Pools making. Dixon didn’t deal with Charles’ free-kick but Alex Kirk failed to profit.
Bromley manager Andy Woodman did not hold back in his full time assessment.
He said: “We got a taste of our own medicine today. Hartlepool sat deep and defended their lead and we didn’t have the quality in the final third to test their keeper.
“He had no real save to make in the second half. What made it worse was our failure to keep a clean sheet through errors of our own making. We have to get back to basics”