Horwood has 10 assists for Hartlepool this season in his 37 appearances

Hartlepool United first-team coach Mick Wadsworth praised the influence of defender Evan Horwood after Tuesday's 2-1 home win against Charlton Athletic.

The 24-year-old left-back provided the delivery from set-pieces which led to both goals in what was Pools' first-ever defeat of the Addicks.

"Tonight he showed what a really good player he is," Wadsworth told BBC Tees.

"His defensive work was excellent, but the icing on the cake is he can get forward and create chances."

Wadsworth added: "He's been a big player for us offensively."

Horwood moved to Victoria Park in July last year following his release by Carlisle United and has since made 37 appearances, scoring twice.

Another player to impress Wadsworth was on-loan Newcastle United striker Ryan Donaldson, who made his third appearance for the club alongside James Brown in a two-man attack.

"If you had a chat with Ryan, he'd say that the first two games for him were a culture shock, it was a big change from what he was used to," Wadsworth said.

"But last night his attitude was absolutely spot on, and I'm surprised he didn't put one of his two chances in, because in training his finishing has been very good.

"I'm sure that will come, and what he's shown tonight is that he is a good player and let's hope that he develops from there."

Pools are 12th in League One after the win, their second in three games.

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