Pete Wild full of praise for Hartlepool United's defensive resilience during closing stages of Forest Green Rovers triumph

Pools, who ended a dismal run of six successive defeats and lifted themselves out of the National League relegation zone in the process, produced a significantly improved showing in Gloucestershire as Wild celebrated his first win since his appointment earlier this month.

A Pools side who have struggled for goals all season and had managed a meagre eight in 12 matches prior to their long trip to the South West raced into a 3-0 lead at The New Lawn thanks to a brace from veteran Jordan Hugill, who was on target for the first time since sealing a permanent return to the club in the summer, as well as a close range effort from Nathan Sheron, who marked his 100th appearance by ending a run of 35 games without scoring.