Hartlepool and Kevin Phillips buoyed by win over York

New Hartlepool boss Kevin Phillips got off to the perfect start with a 2-1 win over York in the Vanarama National League match at the Suit Direct Stadium.

Former England striker Phillips, who took over from John Askey, was in the dugout for the first time having watched Tuesday night’s defeat by Kidderminster from the stands because of a touchline ban held over from his spell with South Shields.

York had an early chance on the counter from a corner when Dipo Akinyemi’s cross from the right was headed wide by Will Davies.

Pools keeper Joel Dixon made a fine save to tip away a low shot from Billy Chadwick on the half-hour mark.

The deadlock was eventually broken with 17 minutes left when Emmanuel Dieseruvwe stabbed the ball in from close range and then added a late second from the penalty spot.

Akinyemi grabbed a consolation for York in stoppage time but it was too late.