'HERO' TELFORD DOOMS POOLS

SCOTT Lindsey hailed Crawley Town striker Dom Telford after his two-goal haul at Hartlepool United all but secured his side their League Two safety.

- David Pickering

The Red Devils had Telford to thank for the comfortable win. Defeat would have given Pools hope of avoiding the drop, but they now sit six points short of safety, with two games remaining, Crawley now enjoying a plus-six goal difference over them.

The Suit Direct Stadium seemed expectant of a home win, but instead it was the 258 visiting fans who left celebrating as Pools fall back into the National League.

“Dom’s goals were superb,” beamed Lindsey. “When he took the touch for this second goal, the snow come off the ball.

“A great touch, fantastic finish and he’s been brilliant for us.

“He’s got a healthy number for a team third bottom and he’s a great kid. I said this morning I felt he would score two today and be the hero. We came to a cauldron and there was a loud and noisy crowd against us, but that’s why we play professional football.