DELIGHTED Town boss Lee Clark was full of praise for his players as they re-ignited their promotion push with a well-deserved victory at Hartlepool.

Anthony Pilkington scored the only goal at Victoria Park last night as Town – watched by a travelling contingent of 564 in a crowd of 2,857 – closed to within two points of second-placed Bournemouth at the top of League I.

Clark said: “I picked a team to be resolute and solid at the back and that’s what they were.

“That allowed other players to play their part. In midfield Scott Arfield had one of his best games of the season.

“I was delighted for the two wide men, Anthony Pilkington and Gary Roberts, who caused lots of problems, and Lee Novak was outstanding.

“But the lads at the back defended really well and Antony Kay produced a big performance on his return, so we have to be really happy with three points.”