Noble on target again as Hartlepool continue winning run

Posted Sunday, September 09, 2018 by PA

Liam Noble scored his fifth goal of the season as Hartlepool extended their unbeaten run to seven matches with a 1-0 win at 10-man Solihull.

The home side endured a miserable opening 20 minutes, losing striker Adi Yussuf to injury and skipper Kyle Storer to a red card for a strong challenge on fellow midfielder Nicky Featherstone.

Hartlepool came more into the game as the half progressed, with Noble firing over and striker Niko Muir seeing a shot on the turn saved by the goalkeeper.

A lively start to the second half saw Muir sent clear only to fire at Ryan Boot, Pools keeper Scott Loach deny Danny Wright and Boot keep out a Luke James strike with Mark Kitching sending the follow-up into the side-netting.

Muir spurned another clear-cut opening, with Featherstone firing over the loose ball, but Hartlepool did break the deadlock in the 58th minute when Noble curled home from 25 yards.

Jamey Osbourne shot wide from the edge of the box for Solihull before Ryan Donaldson’s drive came back off the crossbar for the visitors.

Peter Kioso had the chance to wrap up the points for Hartlepool at the death but Boot saved.