Hartlepool 2-1 Yeovil: Hignett gets off to winning start

Craig Hignett heaped praise on his Hartlepool players after he got off to a winning start in management.

The Football League's newest manager was appointed on Wednesday after Ronnie Moore was axed by Pools.

But a 2-1 win over Yeovil ensured the former Middlesbrough assistant manager was delighted.

Pools were woeful in losing to Stevenage in midweek, but much improved following Hignett's arrival.

Hignett, in his first managerial role, said: "I'm really pleased with the lads, we worked hard and I'm pleased with what I have seen.

"It will take time to get it right but I was pleased with the commitment, attitude and outlook.

"I wanted them to play in a different way, it's about problem-solving with midfielders and strikers and playing in and out.

"I want them to think about the game and think for themselves. It's easy for me to see it and say it. They need to realise and react in the game with what is happening."

Pools went in front with a penalty, fired in by Billy Paynter in the 59th minute after Nathan Thomas was bundled over by defender Jakub Sokolik.

Yeovil were not happy with the award, claiming the foul was outside the penalty area, but Hignett said: "For the penalty, it was clear for me, quick feet from Nathan - blatant for me, no doubt about it.

"Billy made no mistake. The game at that time changed a bit, we were on top and I was thinking of a change. He scored and it's slightly easier from them on.

"It was a fantastic finish, a cool head."

It was two after 72 minutes, defender Adam Jackson heading in from a Jordan Richards corner.

"Adam got a corker, I was moaning about delivery from corners and it was a fantastic header in off the crossbar," said Hignett. "Two up and it's game over - settle and play football.

"We conceded late on, we wanted a clean sheet - it's pride and joy - and we should see it out at two-nil. We should have kept it better at the end.

"It's easy to come in after one game and judge them, but I didn't realise the pressure they were under, huge for them looking back.

"I can understand some of the anxiety and we will get better."

The Glovers got a goal back in injury time, with Francois Zoko heading in from close range.

Boss Darren Way said: "I think we played without tempo from the start. It was a quiet game and it was a concern that the tempo would drop at some point after a very good run of form.

"We looked a yard off, our passing was loose and we gave it away too much, but having said that we were still there getting on the front foot.

"The penalty cost us, we should still have got something out of the game and I'm disappointed in the manner we lost.

"It was a difficult call for the penalty, was it in the box? It was a mistake by the defender - outside or inside - and throughout the game was the referee in control for key decisions? I'll have to have a look at it."