Hartlepool United manager Dave Challinor sends important message to former Sunderland winger Luke Molyneux following his first league goal of the season at Yeovil Town

With just two minutes on the clock, Molyneux arrived at the far post to volley in Rhys Oates’ cross from close range. Pools went on to win the game 3-1 at Huish Park as they climbed back into the play-off places.

Since recovering from coronavirus, Molyneux has been a standout performer for Pools despite a couple of negative results in recent weeks.

While manager Dave Challinor has been pleased with the 22-year-old’s performances, he has outlined what the winger needs to do in order to reach the next level.

“I look at Mols and what he gives us, he’s scored his first league goal of the season on Saturday,” said the Pools boss.

"But with his ability and what he can do, he won’t be judged on people saying ‘Luke Molyneux had a great game today,’ he’s going to be judged on his numbers, how many goals and how many assists he gets.

"Over his career to date he’s probably played around 50 senior league games and scored five or six goals. For a player of his ability, he needs to become a one in three player and getting into double figures.

"The game on Tuesday against Wrexham, he could have had a hat-trick and an assist. First half at Yeovil he could have had three again.

"That’s about him being a young player and recognising what it’s going to take for him to go from being a National League player to a Football League player at a higher level, that’s what it’s about.”

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