Hartlepool United player ratings photo gallery: 'Sublime' and 'Sensational' 9s with plenty of 8s as slick Pools impress in York City win

Hartlepool United scored a significant win over York City thanks to goals from Jake Hastie, Tom Crawford and Nicky Featherstone. (Photo: FRANK REID)

Hartlepool raced into an early two-goal lead with goals from Jake Hastie and Tom Crawford in a first half they completely dominated.

John Askey’s only grievance at the break was the fact that his side were not further in front, such was their control in the game, but that was something they soon rectified when adding a third early after the restart through captain for the day Nicky Featherstone.

Pools weren’t quite able to add the cherry to their cake as a late goal from Tyler Cordner prevented a second clean sheet of the season but, nevertheless, it was an impressive display from Askey’s side who will hope this result can be the kick-start their season needs after a difficult period.

Didn’t really have much to do throughout the afternoon but looked calm and composed when called upon. Made a couple of strong takes in the second half to ease any pressure. A shame he was unable to see out a clean sheet late on. Picture by FRANK REID

And here is how Pools were rated on a statement afternoon in York:

Considering he had a new partner in front of him in Hastie, who was playing in a somewhat unnatural position, it was a really mature performance. Dealt with Akinyemi well and defended his box well. Again, there will be slight frustration not to keep the clean sheet but a good display. (Photo: NW)

Made an excellent interception from Fallowfield’s cross in the first half and helped turn Howe’s effort away in the second. Looked in control throughout. Very strong performance. Picture by FRANK REID

Doubts as to whether he would start after his injury against Ebbsfleet but put in a proper shift at the back. Dealt with anything which came his way and was even a threat when stepping in on the attack. Best display of his loan to date. Picture by FRANK REID

Had the absolute beating of McLaughlin in the first half. Stroked his goal into the corner with real confidence and was a constant threat in behind for Pools. Went off to a standing ovation, which was deserved. (Photo: FRANK REID)

Back in the side for the first time in two months and showed what has been missing. Contributed immensely to Pools dominating in midfield. Worked very well with Featherstone to help retain possession and give freedom to both Crawford and Cooke. Fine return. (Photo: FRANK REID NATIONALWORLD 2022)

Made captain for the day in David Ferguson’s absence and produced a proper captain’s display. Sublime from start to finish. Helped Hartlepool control the midfield and scored an excellent goal on the break to seal the win early in the second half. Commitment typified when making a huge block at 3-0. (Photo: FRANK REID)

Really solid shift on the left. Recovered well on the odd occasion Fallowfield did get in behind and linked well with Cooke going forward. Subbed off after a late challenge. (Photo: FRANK REID NATIONALWORLD 2022)

Brilliant finish; touch to set out of his step and then smash into the corner. Buzzed around well in front of Featherstone and Wallace and helped Pools remain on the front foot throughout. Unselfish when robbing Cordner late on to tee up Cooke. Might have added to his tally as he was a threat from set pieces as well. (Photo: FRANK REID)

Lived up to his manager’s ‘Zinedine Zidane’ comments from a week ago on his first start in two months. Sensational performance. A hat-trick of assists and had York on strings. A huge asset to Pools in that form. Picture by FRANK REID

Knitted Hartlepool’s attacks together very well in the first half which allowed Cooke to impress as much as he did. A little wayward by his high standards this season in front of goal but a real shift for the team in leading the line. (Photo: FRANK REID)

Came on for Hastie on the hour and slotted in well on the left. Got forward well and looked confident following his loan spell. Almost added a fourth for Pools late on. (Photo: FRANK REID 2022)

Back from illness and came on in the closing stages with the game won. Couple of decent runs at the defence and almost bundled in from close range. (Photo: FRANK REID)

Returned from an ankle injury as a late sub for Cooke to help see the game out for Pools. Picture by FRANK REID