Half Time Report: Jon Stead and Liam Noble put Notts County ahead at Hartlepool

Notts County have taken a barnstorming 2-0 half time lead against Hartlepool United in Tuesday's League Two clash at Victoria Park.

Just four minutes passed when Jon Stead stole the ball in midfield, powered down the pitch and nonchalantly lashed the ball from range into the top corner of the net.

The hosts attempted to mount a fightback in the ensuing minutes, Michael Woods attempting a drive from long range which flew well over Roy Carroll's bar.

In the 13th minute, however, the Magpies were two goals to the good, with Elliott Hewitt's cross just out of Izale McLeod's range but landing perfectly to Liam Noble, who slotted home to send the visiting fans into a frenzy.

Hartlepool lost their shape after that and found themselves on the receiving end of a number of Notts forays forward, Jason Banton twice coming close to adding a third for his side.

As the first half ebbed to a close, Craig Hignett's charges enjoyed more fruitful chances as Luke James came close to edging his side back with a shot from within the Magpies box, but Carroll was able to pull off a smart save and keep his side two goals up.

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