The Bantams scored twice in six minutes in the second half to snatch the game from Graeme Lee’s men in an equal game until this stage, with the former Manchester City boss praising his side’s performance.
The visitors arrived at the Suit Direct Stadium following an impressive victory over league leaders Forest Green Rovers at the weekend, Hughes’ first since taking charge last month, and were able to follow that up with goals by Matty Foulds and Yann Songoo. .
“I think we handled the game really well from start to finish,” Hughes said.
“We were on the outside. You would expect the home team to create chances, but that’s not really the case.
“In terms of away performance, it was as good as we could have imagined before the game.
“We deserved to win the game and we got what we deserved.
“It was a great second half. To score in that end was brilliant, and I think the fans sucked in the second goal.
Pools boss Lee was relishing the prospect of facing Hughes in the dugout after describing him as a ‘legend of the game’ but was left frustrated by the two goals his side surrendered to hand the victory Bantams as it was Hughes who would inflict Lee’s first league defeat at the Suit Direct Stadium.
