First time at this, so here goes:

Flinders - 8

Good handling, commanded area, one sharp tip over the bar in the 2nd half. To be honest, didn't really have too much to do, but what he did, he did very well.

Collins - 7

Solid and reliable, Gillingham played to his strengths.

Haslam - 7.5

I liked the look of him - good tackling and cover, linked with McSweeney well. I've seen him described as 'adequate' in other threads and this was a no thrills, non-flashy defensive performance, but a job well done.

Hartley - 6

Started nervously and looked to be playing out of position, and it didn't help when he was harshly booked very early on. Improved 2nd half.

Liddle - 8

Stand out player for me in the back 4. Should be a shoe-in at CB every week, Ben will have to wait a little longer if he maintains this form.

McSweeney - 7.5

Covered good ground and at one point seemed to pop up everywhere in 2nd half. Silly needless booking, but put in a good shift.

Monkhouse - 8

Put in a good shift, especially defensively, covering Hartley when he was a little shaky early doors. One good effort on goal, well saved.

Sweeney - 7

To be honest, apart from one surging run at the end, didn't really notice him. Didn't seem to do anything wrong, but not the Sweeney I remember.

Fredriksen - 6

Was clattered early on, which may have affected his performance. Seemed to want the ball and be comfortable on it, but not really incisive and held on it too long on occasions.

Behan - 7.5

Good work rate, held the ball up well, needed more support in the first half.

Brown - 7.5

Looked off-form 1st half, much improved 2nd half and top-drawer finish for the goal, which will do him the world of good.

Subs:

Jones (for Fredriksen) - 7.5

We looked better when he game on, should start next game.

Boyd (for Behan) - 6

Some nice touches and control, didn't really have enough pitch-time.

Austin (for Brown) - only on for last 4 mins and stoppage time.

Overall, this was a well deserved first 3 points of the season and those Poolies heading back north can be well pleased with the performance from the lads. The 1st half was a pretty poor affair, and we didn't look like scoring, but we didn't look like conceding either. The 2nd half saw a different Pools, who bossed the half and created the better openings, looking lively on the break. Gillingham looked average and I didn't feel at any time we would concede, even when they brought Oli on a sub who I thought may cause some problems for Collins. JB's finish was class and once he's back to full match sharpness, things can only get better.

Onwards and upwards!

nice review mate

Hartley always looks shakey at left back, we need a solid left back in before transfer window, hartley needs to be put in central defence! i reckon he and liddle would be brilliant

Good match report and ratings!
Know what you mean about Fredriksen, on tuesday night looked like a very good player but flattered to deceive, didn't create enough for me....maybe when he settles in will be a world beater.

Now can we have Jones starting in centre midfield please?

Reckon you would be right!

I know I am

300 mins of clean sheet away from home and you still want to change 2 of the back 4

We only need the one change. Austin for Hartley. Sorted.

Review. We all know its so hard for you.

the underlying theme is....we are talking about potential tweaks to the line up because at last we have OPTIONS!!!