Former TNS and Newport County striker Scott Quigley scored twice on his debut for Wrexham.

Quigley, signed on loan from Blackpool, eased the Reds closer to Vanarama National League leaders Macclesfield Town, who lost 6-0 at Fylde.

Wrexham won 2-0 with Quigley taking advantage of some poor defending to earn three points.

A near sell-out attendance of almost 7,000, including 421 following Wrexham, were at Victoria Park, many turning out to show support for a home club facing a financial crisis.

Hartlepool have now gone nine matches without a win manager Craig Harrison is unable to strengthen his team with a transfer embargo in place.

Both goals came in the second half with the first going in after 54 minutes. Quigley lost his marker when Wrexham played a free-kick into the home penalty area and headed just inside the far post.

That first goal was impressive and Quigley’s second, on 73 minutes, was delightful.

He swapped passes with Scott Boden and then powered forward before slotting a clinical finish past the advancing goalkeeper.

Wrexham manager Dean Keates said: “We had to be ruthless. We were here to get three points and deserved them. We played it perfectly.

“Quigley did well. He will get the plaudits, but I thought all round as a team we were outstanding. We defended well, they had a lot of ball, but they didn’t hurt us. We were back to our best.”

The next test for Wrexham, who are four points behind leaders Macclesfield with a game in hand, is against Tranmere Rovers at home next Saturday.

Hartlepool United: Loach, Magnay, Donnelly, Laing, Adams, Featherstone (Adeloye 81), Woods, Deverdics, Hawkins, Cassidy, Rodney. Subs not used: Catterick, Harrison, Hawkes, Newton.

Wrexham 4-4-2: Dunn, Roberts, M Smith, Pearson, Jennings, Rutherford, Wedgbury, Kelly, Holroyd, Quigley (Wright 77), Boden (Hurst 89). Subs not used: Dibble (gk), Mackreth, L Smith.

Referee: Matt Donohue (Greater Manchester)

Attendance: 6,833