Hartlepool United boss Ronnie Moore elated with great escape

By Simon Sinclair, Reporter | 26 April 2015

Hartlepool United boss Ronnie Moore reveals his elation as his side defeat Exeter City to secure their survival in League Two for next season.

Hartlepool United boss Ronnie Moore has revealed his delight with his team after they completed their great escape to avoid relegation to the Conference.

The North East side beat Exeter City 2-1 at Victoria Park on Saturday to secure their survival in League Two and condemn Tranmere Rovers and Cheltenham Town to relegation.

Hartlepool looked consigned to relegation back in January when they were 10 points adrift of safety, but a run of four straight wins in March helped them turn the corner and eventually beat the drop.

Moore told Sky Sports News: "What an absolutely fantastic day. It was a long day, and a long second half. But they gave absolutely everything. That's what we have wanted from them and that's the type of performance I want.

"For me as a manager, I don't think you can better that. If you look where we were and what has happened, it's just been astounding. Deep down, I didn't think we could do it. You've got to say the right things and install belief in the lads.

"I have said on Twitter that I think this was the biggest game in the club's history. It's not easy to come back if you go back out of the Conference. That drop would have been unbelievable. We're a league club still and that's fantastic."

Moore was appointed as the club's manager in December and orchestrated their escape from the foot of the table.