Kevin Phillips watched on as Anthony Mancini’s stunning strike earned Hartlepool a 1-0 win at Ebbsfleet.
The former Sunderland and West Brom striker was confirmed as Pools’ new manager shortly before kick-off and will have been delighted to see his side secure a first away victory since November.
The visitors enjoyed the better of the opening exchanges, with Joe Grey bringing a save from Mark Cousins in the 27th minute, but Ebbsfleet’s Darren McQueen was denied twice in quick succession by goalkeeper Joel Dixon just before the break.
Hartlepool took the lead in the 59th minute when David Ferguson fed Mancini, he turned his man and let fly with a dipping 25-yard shot which went in off the crossbar.
Kieran Wallace sent a header over the crossbar for Pools, while Fleet’s Omari Sterling-James saw a free-kick blocked by the head of defender Emmanuel Onariase at the death.
