Lee Clark delighted with 'fantastic' Hartlepool United following Fleetwood Town win

Having tasted defeat for the first time all summer against Grimsby Town last Saturday, Pools got the better of a Fleetwood side who finished 15th in the division above them last term thanks to a battling performance at Victoria Park.

While there were times when it felt like the game was lacking quality, the hosts defended well and were a threat from both flanks as well as through the middle.

Both sides hit the woodwork in the second half, with Fleetwood's Mark Helm curling an effort against the bar a minute after the restart before the impressive Brooklyn Ilunga clipped the post late on, while Merrick had to be alive to make a handful of sharp saves.