Keith Curle ended Hartlepool United’s long wait for a win – days before his reunion with Carlisle United.

The manager guided Pools to a 2-1 win over Doncaster Rovers last night – their first victory of the season and in 21 outings overall.

A late strike by sub Wes McDonald clinched the points and ensured Curle remained unbeaten in three games since taking the helm.

It sees the Monkey Hangers pick up some form ahead of Saturday’s clash with the Blues at the Suit Direct Stadium.

They have taken five points from three outings since Curle replaced Paul Hartley.

Speaking after the Doncaster game to the BBC, Curle said he was aiming to develop a winning culture at Victoria Park.

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“I’ve been in this situation before when you walk into a football club, and the first thing you can’t do is complicate the message,” he said.

“Simplify your message, and the players have bought into it.

“This football club needed a win. The changing room needed a win. The supporters needed a win. I needed a win, the chairman needed a win.

“If you need it, you do the horrible, ugly side of the game, and you do the preparation perfectly.

“I like winning games. I’m in this profession to win games, develop players, improve teams and gain points.

“When you see the hard work come to fruition – excellent.

“If I had the opportunity I would have gone round and shook everybody’s hand. I value their support.

“Bringing that winning mentality, you don’t create it if you don’t win games.”

Carlisle will put their seven-game unbeaten league run on the line in the north east on Saturday.

They will also hope to overcome Curle at the fourth attempt in encounters with the Bristolian since his departure from Brunton Park in 2018 after a four-year spell in charge.

Curle enjoyed two victories – 3-0 and 2-0 – over the Blues with Northampton Town in the 2018/19 and 2019/20 seasons.

And he also claimed a 0-0 draw at Brunton Park with Oldham Athletic last season.

Last night's League Two games, meanwhile, saw Carlisle drop a place to tenth.

They were overtaken by Swindon Town after their 1-0 win over Newport County.