James Belshaw - 9
Hartlepool forced many corners and Belshaw played a big part in ensuring they posed little danger to the Gas. He was decisive in punching and catching those balls into the box. Made a series of fine second-half saves, with a wonderful reaction stop with his legs from Cullen preventing a near-certain goal. Belshaw, with Collins, was the defining man in this game.
Alfie Kilgour - 6
Steady performance on his return from injury. Found himself exposed a few times as Hartlepool tried to hit the Gas on the break, but Kilgour played his part in a clean sheet for the Gas.
Connor Taylor - 7
Ruled the skies, which was vital for the Gas with the 12 corners Hartlepool won. Positioned himself well to deal with moments of danger.
Cian Harries - 5
Had to walk the tightrope on a yellow card for much of the game. A few clumsy moments mixed with some important interventions.
Harry Anderson - 5
Cut a frustrated figure all afternoon. Was rarely able to gallop forward as he'd like. Kept plugging away without making much of an impact.
Josh Grant -5
One of several Gas players to look rusty and – by the end – a bit weary, which is to be expected after a couple of months out injured. Better things to come as he hits his stride.
Paul Coutts (c) - 6
Was at a numerical disadvantage for most of the afternoon as the only holding midfielder. Was left with few passing options with his teammates often too high up the pitch.
Antony Evans - 7
The trademark neat touches were there, but there was a lack of end product from Evans until he delivered with a sublime free-kick in stoppage time to clinch the win. He cracked the underside of the bar, scoring his from a set-piece for the second league game in succession.
Aaron Collins - 8
Shone brightly in a lacklustre team performance. Always looked like the man to break the game open and he duly delivered with a predatory finish with three minutes to play. His persistent running then put the game to bed, stealing the ball from Jamie Sterry before the defender brought him down and was sent off in stoppage time.
Sam Nicholson - 6
Had bright ideas but was not able to execute them on this occasion. His afternoon was typified by making a mess of a shot from 20 yards after a brilliant chop onto his that deceived the defence. Delivered the cross which eventually led to Collins' winning goal.
Ryan Loft - 6
Started energetically but he will regret declining to shoot in the first half when a chasm of space opened up for him on the edge of the Hartlepool area. Made a nuisance of himself in the lead-up to the opener – precisely what Barton wants him to do in the box.
Substitutes
Glenn Whelan (for Anderson on 90+1) - NA
Nick Anderton (for Nicholson on 90+1) - NA
Brett Pitman (for Loft on 90+1) - NA
Not used: Anssi Jaakkola, James Connolly, Luke Thomas, Trevor Clarke.
