Hartlepool United returned to winning form in the National League with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Forest Green Rovers at the Prestige Group Stadium.
The win was a crucial boost for Hartlepool, ending a frustrating four-game winless streak during which they failed to score and saw their playoff aspirations slip away. Meanwhile, Forest Green, who have impressively collected 10 points from their last 12 available, secured their place in the top seven.
Ahead of the match, it was confirmed that Hartlepool’s head coach Nicky Featherstone will step down at the season’s end. The home side’s triumph was powered by two first-half goals: Adam Campbell and Reiss McNally both finding the net to give Hartlepool the lead.
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The game saw a moment of controversy when Forest Green’s Jordan Moore-Taylor had a goal disallowed for a foul in the build-up. But it was Campbell who put Hartlepool ahead in the 35th minute, expertly finishing a cutback from Alex Reid on the left side.
In first-half stoppage time, McNally rose highest to head in Jamie Miley’s cross, doubling Hartlepool’s advantage heading into the break.
Forest Green didn’t give up, and Kyle McAllister narrowed the deficit with a sharp strike from the edge of the box in the 90th minute. However, the late goal proved insufficient to change the outcome, as Hartlepool held on for the victory.