Pool gained a vital three points against strugglers Howden Clough despite having played better and lost in recent matches. Although their visitors are bottom of the division, they played with great spirit and determination so this was never going to be easy.

Pool eased the pressure midway through the first half when Jamie Algars strong run on the right saw him cross for Jordan Wagstaff to help into the path of Ryan Firth to complete the job and give Pool the lead.

In the absence of their regular keeper, Pools under seventeen keeper Dan Swales stepped into the breach, and not for the first time, did not let them down, soon being called upon to make an excellent save , the follow up forward then putting the second attempt against the crossbar, so maintaining Pools lead. They soon capitalised on this when Firth made a strong run down the left before firing the ball into the centre, Sandro Balde applying the finishing touch from close range.

Pool were looking reasonably comfortable, and put the match to bed midway through the second half when substitute Carlinhos Costa won the ball well on the left, his low cross being converted by Algar for their third and decisive goal.