Hugill and Sheron doubles give Wild his first Hartlepool win

Sunday 11 October 2026 · By Dean Mapplebeck

Pete Wild has his first win as Hartlepool United head coach. Pools beat Forest Green Rovers 4–2 at The New Lawn on Saturday, ending a run of six straight league defeats and lifting them out of the Enterprise National League relegation zone on goal difference.

Jordan Hugill scored his first goals for the club, and Nathan Sheron also struck twice, as Hartlepool produced a much-improved display. Hugill opened the scoring from the penalty spot in first-half stoppage time, Sheron made it 2–0 three minutes after the break, and Hugill added a third on 57 minutes.

Forest Green hit back with a quick double. Omari Patrick pulled one back on 65 minutes, and Kyle McAllister converted a penalty five minutes later. But Pools held firm under heavy pressure, and Sheron sealed the win two minutes from time with a stunning long-range strike.

Wild was delighted, and quick to share the credit. “Lots of emotions. First and foremost, I might sleep tonight so I think that’s a positive,” he told BBC Radio Tees. “I am so pleased for the fans, I am so pleased for the players and the staff. That belief we’ve had tonight has been lacking, I think we’d all agree with that.”

He added: “I’d rather dwell on the emotions of the fans, the staff and the players because they deserve all of the credit today.”

Wild made five changes for the game. Luke Charman made his first start in eight months, and new signing Jack Earing was also involved, according to the Hartlepool Mail. In the closing stages, Wild switched to a back five and a midfield diamond to protect the lead. “That’s got to give them confidence they can dig in and get over the line,” he said.

Sheron’s contribution was especially welcome. The midfielder had been much criticised before the game, and his two goals were a timely response.

Wild was appointed on 1 October, replacing Lee Clark, and his first game ended in a 1–0 home defeat by Tamworth. A first full week on the training ground appears to have made a difference.

Hartlepool are now 20th on 12 points from 13 games, level with Wealdstone and Boston United. They have scored only 12 league goals, so Saturday’s four was a significant boost.

The fixtures come thick and fast. Pools host Newcastle United Under-21s in the National League Cup on Tuesday 13 October, before welcoming National League North side Marine in the FA Cup fourth qualifying round on Saturday 17 October.

The league resumes with a home game against Hornchurch on Saturday 24 October. Hartlepool then travel to AFC Fylde on Tuesday 27 October, before a trip to leaders Boreham Wood on Saturday 31 October.

That is a challenging run, but Saturday’s result has given Wild a foundation to build on. With Hugill off the mark and belief returning, Hartlepool supporters have reason for optimism for the first time in weeks.

Victoria Park

Approximate layout. Away fans sit behind the north goal; the home terrace is behind the south goal.

Victoria Park — also known as the Prestige Group Stadium — has been home to Hartlepool United since 1908. It sits on Clarence Road (TS24 8BZ), a short walk from the town centre and about ten minutes from Hartlepool station. Capacity is just under 8,000. It is a compact, traditional ground with four distinct sides, four floodlight pylons, and a North Sea wind that finds you even in August. Wrap up.

Visiting supporters are housed in the Hartlepool Cable Services Stand, still widely called the Rink End, behind the north goal. It is all-seated. Typical allocations run around 760, with a stand capacity a little over 1,000. There is no away terrace. Facilities inside include catering and a bar; payment is card or contactless. A few supporting pillars can spoil the view in places, so if you have a choice of seat, avoid sitting dead behind a post. Acoustics are decent and a modest following can still make a noise.

Turnstiles for the away end are on Clarence Road, next to the club offices, ticket office and Pools Retail Store (turnstiles 1 and 2). They usually open 90 minutes before kick-off. There is space for seven wheelchair users plus carers in the away stand; wheelchair entry is via the west side car park by the Neale Cooper Stand. Buy in advance if you can. Recent advertised prices have been around £22 for adults and £16 for concessions (over-65s, students, armed forces, 18–21s), with under-18s and under-14s cheaper and under-5s free with a paying adult. Matchday prices often rise by a couple of pounds. Check the club site before you travel, as figures change.

Opposite you, behind the south goal, is the Town End: a covered home terrace and usually the loudest part of the ground. Along the east touchline, facing Clarence Road, is the modern all-seated Cyril Knowles Stand — family enclosure, directors’ box, executive boxes and the players’ tunnel. Along the west side is the Neale Cooper Stand (Acland Homes), a two-tier structure from 1968 with seating above and an open paddock terrace in front. It does not run the full length of the pitch. That west stand is also where you will hear the home drum on busy afternoons.

Parking at the ground is limited and should be booked with the club if you need it. Street parking nearby is tight and often residents-only. Pay-and-display at the transport interchange or Middleton Grange is a safer bet and still a short walk. By train, leave the station onto Church Street, turn right, and follow the floodlights onto Clarence Road.

Hartlepool is easy for a pint. The Rat Race, inside the station building, is the obvious first stop for ale. Closer to the ground, the Corner Flag supporters’ bar (small entry charge) and the Centenary Bar on Clarence Road have a reputation for welcoming away colours, though that can tighten for bigger fixtures. The Mill House, across the car park, is more of a home haunt. Inside the Rink End you will find hot food, including the club’s much-advertised foot-long hotdogs. Bring a coat, buy your ticket early, and you will have a straightforward, old-fashioned afternoon on the coast.