Pools kicked off with plenty of intent and took control of proceedings early in the game, creating a string of chances. Within the first minute, Robyn Foster sent a teasing delivery into the area which was only missing a touch from a Hartlepool body. Pye and Charlie Geary also tested the visiting goalkeeper early on.
Hartlepool found the breakthrough 18 minutes in. Pye sent an inviting free-kick into the box which was glanced home by Foster for his eighth goal of the season.
Andy Stuart’s side didn’t stop there and could count themselves unlucky not to have extended their lead. Pools played with an attacking flair and freedom, knocking the ball around confidently and going close through Foster and Steph Bilcliff.
They came closest to doubling their advantage, through another set play, late in the first half. Pye aimed for goal from just outside the box and it required a smart stop from the Redcar goalkeeper to tip it over the bar.
The second half offered a different proposition as a determined Redcar side came out with renewed vigor and took the game to Pools. They hit back with their own free-kick as Ella Field reacted well to save in the Hartlepool goal.
Redcar equalized in the 66th minute. Megan Day broke through the Pools backline and struck a low shot past Field to draw her side level.
Pools knew they needed a big result to stand a chance of survival this season and found the determination to pick themselves up and go again. Substitute Ella McIndoe came agonizingly close to regaining their lead, going on a surging run towards goal and hitting a powerful strike that bounced off the underside of the crossbar.
Hartlepool continued to press forward and eventually got their reward. Abbie Morrison worked her way into the box before being chopped down by a Redcar player and the referee pointed to the spot. Pye stepped up to take the spot kick and the Pools skipper calmly slotted down the middle to give his side a crucial win.
Pools: Field, Borthwick (K Robinson), Stuart, Pye, C Geary (May), M Johnson, Basnett (Thompson), Morrison, Z Johnson (McIndoe), Bilcliff (Pearson), Foster
