Hartlepool full back Carl Magnay scores 40-yard screamer in priceless win at Barrow as they bid to avoid National League relegation

  • Carl Magnay, captain of struggling Hartlepool, scored a wonder goal at Barrow 
  • The right back, who hadn't scored since August 2016, took aim from 40 yards
  • His strike came in front of TV cameras and gave Hartlepool priceless three points

Fans who tuned in to watch Barrow taking on Hartlepool United in order to find their football fix during the international break were rewarded by what will surely be the finest goal scored this fortnight.

Carl Magnay, right back and captain of National League strugglers Hartlepool United, scored a 40-yard wonder goal in front of the TV cameras at Barrow on Wednesday night. 

It proved to be the winner, as Hartlepool held on to secure a 2-1 victory and a priceless three points in their fight against the drop. 


Scroll down for video. 

Carl Magnay,  captain of National League strugglers Hartlepool, scored wonder goal  at Barrow

Carl Magnay, captain of National League strugglers Hartlepool, scored wonder goal at Barrow

Right back Magnay, who hadn't scored since August 2016, took aim from 40 yards

Right back Magnay, who hadn't scored since August 2016, took aim from 40 yards

It flew into the corner of Barrow keeper Steve Arnold's net with pinpoint accuracy

It flew into the corner of Barrow keeper Steve Arnold's net with pinpoint accuracy

The game was level at half time, former Pools striker Luke James opening the scoring for the hosts before Conor Newton leveled just before the break.

Three minutes after the break, Magnay - who had not scored since August 2016 - struck. A free kick by Hartlepool was headed away, and it seemed there was little danger.

Magnay, coming onto the ball from 40 yards out, had other ideas. He took a touch before letting fly a perfectly struck right footed shot which found the top corner.

Magnay's strike came in front of the TV cameras and gave Hartlepool a priceless three points

Magnay's strike came in front of the TV cameras and gave Hartlepool a priceless three points

There were some questions about Barrow goalkeeper Steve Arnold, who failed to move across his goal with the shot not travelling hugely fast, however the placement made a save nearly impossible. 

Magnay's genius was followed by three-quarters of an hour of stout defending by Hartlepool, as they moved three points clear of the National League relegation zone.

The cash-strapped north east club, relegated from the Football League last season, started the day only out of the bottom four on goal difference and level on points with Barrow.

However victory for a side currently the under caretaker management of Matthew Bates after Craig Harrison was sacked, and facing an uncertain future due to huge financial problems, was a huge boost - particularly in the manner of the winner.

Cash-strapped Hartlepool are aiming to avoid a second successive relegation

Cash-strapped Hartlepool are aiming to avoid a second successive relegation