Tyrese Sinclair scored twice as Hartlepool saw off a late Southend fightback to secure a 4-3 National League win at Victoria Park.
Andy Dallas put the visitors ahead in the opening minute before Sinclair scored his first of the night with 14 minutes of the opening period remaining.
Alex Reid netted shortly after the interval, with Sinclair completing his brace after 63 minutes to extend Hartlepool’s lead.
Jamie Miley then added a fourth for the home side and, although Sam Austin and Charley Kendall scored late on for Southend, Hartlepool saw out the victory.
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