Stockport Report

Hartlepool United roared back from three goals down to grab a point and equal a club record 21 matches without defeat in a pulsating 90 minutes at Edgeley Park.

Danny Wilson's table-toppers had to do it the hard way after shipping three controversial first-half goals.

But thanks to Andy Monkhouse, and a Richie Barker double - as well as a second-half penalty save from keeper Dimi Konstantopoulos - Pools go into next week's derby clash with Darlington aiming for a place in the history books.

"What a comeback that was," Wilson hailed. "If anyone had any doubts about our character or ability to fight in adversity then they answered that. We had that never-say-die attitude although a few of their goals were questionable to say the least."

Pools' incredible run has been built on a rock-solid defence - but the backline crumbled in a hectic first half.

There seemed little danger when a hopeful 24th-minute through ball bounced into the heart of the Pools defence. Confusion reigned and Liam Dickinson was pulled down by Michael Nelson for a penalty, with Adam Le Fondre dispatching the ball into the bottom corner.

Worse was to follow five minutes later when a free-kick on the halfway line - wrongly awarded against Gary Liddle - was hoisted on to the edge of the Pools box. Dickinson flicked it into the path of Anthony Elding, who clipped the ball over Konstantopoulos and into the net.

Pools were rocking and they went three down on 35 minutes when Le Fondre found acres of space in the visitors' penalty area and cut back for Dickinson to bundle home from close range amid claims of offside.

Wilson's troops looked dead and buried but they grabbed a lifeline three minutes later when Andy Monkhouse lashed home a left-foot drive at the back post after a deep cross from Tony Sweeney.

Pools wanted an early goal after the beak - and that is precisely what they got. This time it was Pools' turn for a penalty after Michael Nelson was blatantly shoved in the back by Dickinson and ref Ben Sutton had no hesitation again.

Barker stepped up, just like in the final minute against Lincoln last week, and rifled the ball into the net.

Pools were rampant and the equaliser came on 65 minutes and it was Barker again on the mark. The big target man brilliantly pulled down a Ritchie Humphreys free kick, swivelled and drilled it past keeper Wayne Hennessey.

The drama wasn't finished there as Stockport were awarded another penalty on 74 minutes after Clark was judged to have pulled the shirt of Tes Bramble although it appeared to be outside the box.

But Konstantopoulos threw himself to his right to block Jason Taylor's effort.