Pete Wild hoping Hornchurch win will be 'a really big moment' in Hartlepool United's season

Pools, who had Neo Eccleston sent off for the third time in seven appearances in the 68th minute, looked to be staring down the barrel of what would have been an 11th defeat in 13 matches at the weekend.

After an even opening period against a Hornchurch side who have made an encouraging start to their first ever campaign in the National League, Pools went behind a minute after the restart when veteran Angelo Balanta capitalised on a rare mistake from the returning Max Merrick to put the visitors in front.