Michael Nelson marked his Hartlepool debut with a stunning 30-yard winner in a
seven-goal thriller at Peterborough.
The central defender robbed Andy Clarke of the ball before lashing an
unstoppable volley into the top corner five minutes from time.
Mark Arber had fired Peterborough ahead from the penalty spot and Clarke
doubled the lead in the 23rd minute when he pounced on a glaring error by
Hartlepool goalkeeper Anthony Williams.
Gavin Strachan pulled Hartlepool back into contention with a free-kick but the
hosts restored their two-goal advantage as Clarke struck again six minutes after
However, the visitors battled back and Paul Robinson reduced the deficit
before Matty Robson equalised with a close-range tap-in.
The game was delicately balanced until Nelson settled the issue in spectacular
Peterborough: Tyler, Burton, Rea, Arber, Newton, Gill, Shields,
Boucaud, Legg, Andy Clarke, McKenzie. Subs: Scott, Farrell,
Lee Clarke, Jelleyman, Pearce.
Hartlepool: Anthony Williams, Nelson, Westwood, Jordan,
Arnison, Clarke, Humphreys, Strachan, Robson, Eifion Williams,
Paul Robinson. Subs: Provett, Henderson, Bass, Brackstone,
Referee: Grant Hegley (Hertfordshire)