Hartlepool United FC 1 - 3 Stevenage Borough - Kid Kennedy sinks Pools

Posted Sunday, February 15, 2015 by PA

Ben Kennedy's first professional goals dented bottom-of-the-table Hartlepool's survival hopes as Stevenage won 3-1 at Victoria Park.

The 18-year-old, making just his third Football League appearance, netted twice after Pools striker Scott Fenwick had cancelled out debutant Dave Martin's opening goal.

An entertaining first half brought three golden chances for Graham Westley's men.

Dean Wells and Kennedy each missed the target from inside 12 yards before Martin showed them how it was done. Pools right-back Michael Duckworth misjudged a hopeful long ball to leave the left-winger with the simple task of volleying home.

Hartlepool introduced Fenwick at the interval and the move paid immediate dividends as he latched on to Jonathan Franks' pass, cut inside and curled home a lovely shot.

Stevenage found an instant response, however, when Kennedy capitalised on a slip in the area to nod home Martin's centre.

And he capped a dream day in the 65th minute, finding himself through on goal before seeing his strike deflect off goalkeeper Scott Flinders and spin into the net despite David Mirfin's desperate lunge.