Pools sink Shrimps
Hartlepool halted a six-game losing run and took a giant step towards securing their Football League status with a 2-1 home victory over fellow strugglers Morecambe.
The 10 men needed goals from substitutes Jack Compton and Jack Barmby to win it after falling behind to Kevin Ellison's first-half strike.
Morecambe, themselves just three points above the relegation zone, took the lead after 25 minutes. A deep, floated cross from Andy Parrish was met by Ellison whose angled header beat goalkeeper Scott Flinders.
Only a vital saving block from Darren Holden halted Jack Sampson from extending the lead.
Hartlepool's task was made harder after 58 minutes when midfielder Simon Walton was sent off for a foul on Jordan Mustoe.
Pools boss Colin Cooper introduced Compton from the bench and he sent a low, dipping drive into the bottom corner of the net from 25 yards out to level things up after 67 minutes.
The ten men took the game to the visitors, keeping up incessant pressure, and they were rewarded with nine minutes remaining.
Barmby coolly finished from close range after skirting around Barry Roche after the goalkeeper kept out a Jonathan Franks shot with his legs.
Source: PA
