Hartlepool 2-0 Morecambe: Match Report

08 August 2015 16:31

Pools' new boys shine in win

Billy Paynter and Rakish Bingham netted as Hartlepool began their Sky Bet League Two campaign with a 2-0 win over Morecambe.

The strikers, two of 11 summer recruits at Victoria Park, ensured Ronnie Moore's men followed last term's great escape with a winning start to the 2015-16 season.

The hosts, featuring six new faces in their XI, began impressively - although they almost fell behind when Ryan Edwards headed against the crossbar.

Pools were undeterred and took a 25th-minute lead through one of their new signings.

After Michael Woods had seen a powerful effort saved by Barry Roche, Bingham collected the ball and sent in a perfect centre for skipper Paynter to head his 100th league goal into the corner.

Jamie Devitt and Lee Molyneux spurned glorious chances to level either side of half-time, with the Shrimps growing into the contest.

However, that good spell came to an end as Hartlepool doubled their advantage.

Paynter was the orchestrator, cleverly finding space before chipping a delicious through-ball to Bingham - who powered home emphatically.

Morecambe still looked dangerous, which was shown when veteran winger Kevin Ellison rattled the woodwork, yet Pools held on to claim the points.


Source: PA