POOLS TRIUMPH AT THE FINN-ISH

JOHN Askey said he won’t be getting carried away with Hartlepool United’s dramatic late heroics after Ollie Finney secured a 94th-minute victory over Swindon Town – but admits the victory was a big statement of intent.

- Mhairi Braden

Pools trailed to Swindon at the Suit Direct Stadium before two late goals capped an unlikely comeback to offer an EFL lifeline.

Thanks to Finney’s 94th minute drive, Pools are now two points short of safety.

And Askey, who earned his first win as Pools boss after five successive draws since his February appointment, admitted: “It’s a big result for us, but we will know how big at the end of the season. It will put pressure on the teams above us and it shows we have more than enough.

“To win in this manner, it gives everyone confidence and you can see they are relaxed when playing. There’s a good feeling around the place and I just hope we can keep it going.

“It’s my first win and it’s a great feeling but it’s only great if we stay up – I am dour as people are aware, but I won’t be dour if we stay up and the job is to stay up and be a Football League club.