Hartlepool 1 York City 3: ‘Massive mental test’ passed by Minstermen

YORK City claimed victory from a losing position for the first time since winning the 2012 Conference play-off final against Luton.
York City's Keith Lowe. Picture: Tony Johnson.York City's Keith Lowe. Picture: Tony Johnson.
York City's Keith Lowe. Picture: Tony Johnson.

An incredible 10-minute spell in the second half at Hartlepool saw Keith Lowe bag a headed brace and Jake Hyde also net as the Minstermen turned the tables following Scott Fenwick’s opening goal for the hosts.

The win over their bottom-of-the-table hosts saw York move six points clear of the relegation zone, with Tranmere also losing, and manager Russ Wilcox said the result will give his team a big psychological boost.

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“We were 1-0 down away from home and I was concerned because we looked leggy,” said Wilcox. “But it was a fantastic second-half performance and, in terms of moving forward, we came through a massive mental test with flying colours.”

Hartlepool were on top at the interval with ex-Dunston UTS striker Fenwick scoring his first professional goal on 27 minutes, converting from close range.

York showed great character and drew level on 53 minutes when Lowe rose highest to meet Josh Carson’s flag kick and found the bottom right-hand corner of Scott Flinders’s net from eight yards.

Two minutes later, a short corner saw Lowe head in at the far post following a left-wing cross by captain Russell Penn.

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On 63 minutes, Hyde claimed his fourth goal of the campaign, finishing from 15 yards.

A stoppage-time effort by Fenwick was then cleared off the line by Penn as the visitors celebrated a third win of the campaign.

Hartlepool United: Flinders, Duckworth (Jones, 79), Collins, Harrison, Austin, Richards (Campbell, 67), Walker, Featherstone, Franks, Fenwick, Harewood (Ironside, 63). Unused substitutes: Maxted, Bates, Woods, Schmeltz.

York City: Cisak, McCoy, Lowe, Zubar, Ilesanmi, Carson, Montrose (Summerfield, 46), Penn, Coulson, Hyde, Fletcher (Meikle, 90). Unused substitutes: Ingham, McCombe, Halliday, Platt, Jarvis.

Referee: E Ilderton (Tyne & Wear).

Man of the match: Keith Lowe.