Chester Report

By Eggy_Poolie
April 1 2007

23 unbeaten now for Pools and the run of form doesnt look like slowing down after Pools have managed to score 9 goals in their last 3 games

Hartlepool made it 23 unbeaten after beating Chester 3-0 at the Vic on Friday night. Pools went 8 point clear at the top but the gap was closed when Walsall beat Accrington 3-2.

Chester, who seem to have very little to play for this season, came out fighting and won a corner in the first minute but it was Pools who took the advantage in the early stages. Ritchie Humphreys played in a perfect freekick from the left which met the head of Richie Barker and looped into the bottom corner.

Chester at times played some good football and tested Dimi on a few occasions but for the vast majority Pools seemed very comfortable and didnt look like giving much away.

Andy Monkhouse doubled the score on 26 minutes. A cross from the right was flicked on by Barker straight to Monkhouse who found himself one on one with the keeper and he made no mistake when placing the ball into the far corner of the net.

At half time it was certainly Pools playing the better football and it was certainly Pools who looked like they would go on and win the game

The second half was also controlled by Pools and Chester never really troubled the Pools goal. Richie Barker came close to making the score 3-0 after some great play by Monkhouse and Gibb. Hartlepool finally made it 3 just after Chester were reduced to 10 men after Bolland was sent off for a second bookable offence.

From the resulting free kick on the left wing three of Pools defenders teamed up to be an attacking force. Left back Humphreys crossed in to centre back Nelson who headed across goal to Clark who headed home to make it 3-0.

The game died after Pools third goal and it was just a case of keeping the ball. Craig Hignett came on to make his first appearance for Pools.