Match Report: Jorge Grant rocket helps Notts County overcome Hartlepool United

Notts County have rebuilt an eight-point gap between themselves and League Two's bottom two with a 2-1 victory over Hartlepool United at Meadow Lane.

The Magpies were given a chance to take the lead after 28 minutes as Lewis Hawkins handled the ball to gift the hosts a penalty, but Shola Ameobi's weak effort from the spot was pushed onto the post by Pools goalkeeper Joe Fryer.

However, the veteran striker made amends for his miss just after the restart, Jorge Grant slipping him clean through on goal, and the 35-year-old bore down on goal, picked his spot and slotted a low finish underneath Fryer.

Grant then went from provider to scorer in spectacular fashion as he controlled a clearance from a corner just outside the box, lined himself up and curled a wonderful shot above everyone and right into the top of the visitors' net.

Hartlepool made it a nervy finish when they halved the deficit 12 minutes from time, Nathan Thomas forcing a goalline clearance from Richard Duffy, only for the ball to rebound off the unfortunate Haydn Hollis and into the Notts goal.

Nonetheless, Kevin Nolan's charges succeeded in holding their opponents at bay and were able to celebrate the final whistle under a lengthy standing ovation by the Black and White Army as their unbeaten home run under the new gaffer continues.

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