Billy Paynter is spot on for Hartlepool as they extend unbeaten run
Billy Paynter struck a brace of penalties as Hartlepool extended their Sky Bet League Two unbeaten run to seven games with a 2-1 win over 10-man Mansfield.
The striker netted either side of Colin Daniel's thunderous strike to ensure Pools took the spoils.
Mansfield left themselves with a mountain to climb in the 24th minute when defender Krystian Pearce tripped Nicky Featherstone in the area.
The defender's subsequent red card was compounded as goalkeeper Scott Shearer narrowly failed to keep out the resulting penalty.
Paynter almost added a second when rattling the woodwork shortly afterwards, although Mansfield came out fighting after the break.
They were denied twice in quick succession by Hartlepool goalkeeper Trevor Carson, who produced world-class saves to thwart Matt Green and Ryan Tafazolli.
A deserved equaliser came in the 76th minute, Daniel rifling a half-volley into the top corner.
But Paynter powered home the winner nine minutes later, sending Shearer the wrong way from the spot after Mal Benning had felled Carl Magnay.
Source: PA
