Hartlepool United player ratings photo gallery: 'Ran the show' - two 8's as Pools edge out Wealdstone

Tom Crawford scored Hartlepool United's opening goal of the game against Wealdstone. (Photo: FRANK REID NATIONALWORLD 2022)

John Askey’s side were made to work harder than they would have liked after enjoying a dominant first half at the Suit Direct Stadium which saw Tom Crawford score his second goal of the season.

Pools ought to have been out of sight at the break before the visitors caused Askey’s team some problems in the second half.

The home side doubled their lead, however, when Emmanuel Dieseruvwe scored for a fifth time at the Suit Direct Stadium which should have wrapped the game up.

Handed a debut for Pools and, ultimately, helped them earn all three points. A spectator in the first half but was alive early after the break to thwart Campbell twice before a brilliant save to deny Olomola. Did well from crosses and felt a little more assured. Strong performance. (Photo: FRANK REID)

But Wealdstone continued to make a fist of things and reduced the deficit with Tarryn Allarakhia’s fine curling effort.

Debutant Pete Jameson made an excellent save to deny Olufela Olomola whilst the visitors also hit the bar in the closing stages as Pools just about held on.

And here’s how Pools were rated:

Got forward and enjoyed possession almost at will in the first half. Couple of efforts off target and kept Clayden in check. Was tasked with more defensively in the second half with Campbell finding space between him and Hendrie on occasion. Steady enough. (Photo: FRANK REID NATIONALWORLD 2022)

Really solid return. Looked a level above in the first half when mopping up anything that came forward and even showed his confidence with a great driving run. Again, tasked with more in the second half but coped well. Likely to be a good addition. (Credit: Will Matthews | MI News)

Comfortable in the first half but invited pressure immediately after the break with a short back pass. Struggled a little bit at times and got a needless booking but superb last-ditch tackle to deny Andrews. Picture by FRANK REID

Complemented Paterson well on the left in the first half having dropped in at centre-back. Wasn’t allowed to get forward as much in the second half but when he did he produced another excellent assist for Dieseruvwe. Important late headed clearance from inside his own six-yard box. (Photo: FRANK REID NATIONALWORLD 2022)

Started the game really well. Enjoyed great freedom down the left and was a threat in his first start. Had a hand in the opening goal when picking out Grey and it was his run forward after the break which won Pools the throw-in that led to the second. All in all a solid first start. (Photo: FRANK REID NATIONALWORLD 2022)

Made a good block on Bowen from a rare Wealdstone attack in the first half and ticked things over reasonably well going forward. Bit more challenging for him after the break as Wealdstone pressed forward. Still looks to be building his fitness up before picking up another knock late on. (Photo: FRANK REID NATIONALWORLD 2022)

Ran the show for Hartlepool in the first half. Looked confident and composed on the ball and given licence to roam forward more. Started the move which led to his goal which was a solid first time strike. Wasn’t as involved after the break but still had some key moments testing Ward and setting up an effort for Grey. Really good display. (Photo: FRANK REID NATIONALWORLD 2022)

Was in and out of things. Linked quite well with Ferguson and Paterson in the first half and got Pools moving through midfield but just lacked a little bit of end product with some stray passes and a lack of conviction with some efforts at goal. Good pressing to create his chance where he should have scored. Subbed. (Photo: FRANK REID NATIONALWORLD 2022)

Continued his impressive start to the season. A bundle of energy for Pools and worked well off Dieseruvwe. Didn’t panic when receiving the ball in the area for the opening goal. Showed tireless work rate again. Brought an excellent save from Ward before he maybe should have scored from inside the area. Subbed. Picture by FRANK REID

Took his goal really well again in what was almost a carbon copy of his header against Fylde but was otherwise not as involved in things. Saw a decent chance go begging on the stroke of half-time and had another good opportunity after the break when played in by Finney. Five in four on home soil though which continues an impressive start. (Photo: FRANK REID 2022)

Brought on midway through the second half and was immediately involved in helping fashion a chance for Dieseruvwe. Wealdstone’s late pressure meant he wasn’t as involved in an attacking sense as he would have liked to have been but was lively enough in spells on his return. Picture by FRANK REID

A first appearance for him this season and showed one or two decent touches as well as a good driving run through midfield to tee up Dieseruvwe. (Photo: FRANK REID 2022)

Came on late for Wallace for his first appearance and immediately made a good block inside his own six-yard box. Helped get Pools over the line. (Photo: FRANK REID NATIONALWORLD 2022)