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Boss hails Accrington youngster

Image: John Coleman: Hopeful of youngster's impact

Accrington boss John Coleman hopes Shay McCartan can build on his first league double.

Former Burnley striker McCartan got a rare start for the Reds and fired home a wonder goal after 19 minutes and then a tap-in 12 minutes from time, with a Rob Atkinson effort sandwiched in between as Coleman's men defeated Hartlepool 3-1 on Tuesday night. "Shay has worked hard in the last three or four weeks and we kept telling him he would get an opportunity," said Coleman. "He took his chance and his first goal was spectacular and his second was bread and butter so he had a bit of both. "Hopefully he will kick on from there." Coleman was pleased his side bounced back after two defeats which hit him hard. "We showed hunger from the first minute to the last and that was the most pleasing thing," added Coleman. "That's why we deserved to win, although Hartlepool are a good team. Some days the football gods smile down on you and you get that bit of luck and I thought we did tonight. "After the win there was a lot of emotions, including relief, but I always thought we looked a threat." Hartlepool caretaker manager Sam Collins was disappointed with the goals his side gave away and now they have just one win in nine games. "We spoke about it before the game about their set-pieces and then, on the stroke of half time, we give a rubbish goal away from a set -piece," said Collins, who saw his team draw level through a Matthew Bates header. "We give our players as much information as we can about who to mark and so on but then they do not do their jobs. We cannot keep a clean sheet and this is why we are not winning football matches and we are, where we are. "We had got back in the game at 1-1 but then we gifted them a goal just before half-time and are chasing the game again. We have spells but we are not killing teams off. The fans are travelling and supporting us but we need to give them something back. We need to be better."

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