Hartlepool United secured their first home league victory under manager Pete Wild with a resilient 2-1 comeback win against Hornchurch at Victoria Park on Saturday. The result extended Hartlepool’s momentum with a second consecutive league win, despite playing the final 22 minutes with ten men.

The visitors took an early lead just seconds into the second half when Angelo Balanta capitalized on an error from Hartlepool goalkeeper Max Merrick. Merrick misjudged a deep corner in challenging windy conditions, allowing Balanta to score. The setback appeared to put the hosts on the back foot, and the situation worsened when Hartlepool’s Neo Eccleston received a second yellow card in the 68th minute, reducing the home team to ten players.

However, Hartlepool responded swiftly. Nathan Sheron, who was a standout performer throughout the match, delivered a precise cross that forced Hornchurch defender Ryan Inniss into an own goal in the 72nd minute. The crowd at Victoria Park, sensing a historic first home league win since early September, were further lifted when substitute Luke Charman sealed the victory with a strike from the edge of the penalty area in the 80th minute.

Manager Pete Wild, who previously managed FC Halifax Town, Barrow, and Fleetwood, expressed satisfaction with the team’s resilience and ability to maintain composure after going down a player. “It was a roller coaster of a game, and I’m so pleased for the fans and the staff,” Wild said after the match. He credited their recent FA Cup loss for motivating the squad and praised his players’ bravery and ball control despite the numerical disadvantage.

For Hornchurch, the loss marked their fifth consecutive defeat in away matches, a run that has frustrated manager Daryl McMahon. McMahon acknowledged his team’s strong performance for large portions of the match but admitted they struggled to adapt after Hartlepool’s red card. “We were the dominant team until the sending off and should have moved the ball quicker when we had the extra player,” McMahon said. He also highlighted the challenges faced by the newly promoted club competing at this level and expressed pride in their effort despite the result.

The match statistics reflected Hartlepool’s defensive discipline and effective attacking efforts, with Hartlepool registering five shots on target compared to Hornchurch’s one. Attendance at Victoria Park was recorded at 3,703, with referee Leigh Doughty officiating the contest.

Hartlepool’s lineup featured Max Merrick in goal with a back five including Eccleston, McNally, Kouogun, and Lavelle. Midfielders Miley, Sheron, and Deeming provided creativity and work rate, while forwards Hugill, Harris, and later Charman contributed to the attack. Hornchurch employed a similar 5-3-2 formation, with notable performances from Nasta in goal and Balanta in attack.

This victory marks a positive step for Hartlepool United as they seek to build consistency at home under Wild’s management, while Hornchurch must regroup to arrest their difficult away form going forward.