Match Report
The table gap was wide: 27 points between Carlisle United (3rd, 95 pts) and Hartlepool United (9th, 68 pts). Hartlepool United's recent output lagged their position: 14th on form over five rounds while 9th in the table. Against a league average of 1.46 goals per team per game, Hartlepool United ran at 1.17 scored and 1.28 conceded, Carlisle United at 1.89 and 1.11.
Carlisle United entered with three wins in a row. Over the last five, Hartlepool United had taken 5 of 15 points to Carlisle United's 12.
The head-to-head ledger counts 20 games: 4 Hartlepool United wins, 12 for Carlisle United, 4 draws, at 3.55 goals per meeting. Goals tend to flow: 80% of the meetings produced three or more, and both sides scored in 65%.
The Suit Direct Stadium, capacity 7,856, hosted the game. On the scoreboard, Hartlepool United led 1-0 at the break; 3 second-half goals set the final 3-1.
Goal scorers
Hartlepool United: Alex Reid (46'), Calvin Okike (75'), Tyrese Sinclair (10') · Carlisle United: Georgie Kelly (78')
Key stats
Possession: Hartlepool United 54% · Carlisle United 46% · Total shots: 18-14 · On target: 6-5 · Corners: 8-2