Pools' latest fightback earns FA Cup replay

Andy Monkhouse - goal
By Clarence Rode
November 8 2008

Playing football almost as bright as their repulsive orange strip, Hartlepool had to settle for a 3-3 draw in their FA Cup first round tie at Brighton. Only 92 travelling fans made the long journey to the windswept Withdean "Stadium", and most of them were sitting too far away from the pitch to be able to see things properly, so there shouldn't be too many complaints.

So let's get the moans out of the way early doors:

• Pools should have won by a mile, but wasted chances and were incredibly 2-0 down at half-time after dominating the first half.
• Their orange away strip really is awful. Saturday's strip is to be auctioned for the British Legion poppy appeal, which is a great getsure by the club. But can we request the colour is never worn again? Unless it guarantees results, of course.
• The Withdean should really be called the Withoutdean, because any similarity between it and a proper footy ground are purely coincidental. There is a pitch and there are goals, but that's about it.

Before the game most Pools people would probably have been happy with a 3-3 draw, but after it they were all probably disappointed. Pools were always the better team, but still miss their chances and Danny Wlson was right when he said his team should have had it sewn up before Brighton even scored.
Still, it's all part of ther rich and famous tapestry that is the FA Cup, and the replay will earn Pools a few more quid.
It's back to the League next weekend, when MK Dons visit the Vic three days before the replay - two wins will do us, Pools.
Meanwhile, the efforts to extend Kevin Kyle's loan from Coventry continue, and it's hoped there will be some news - good or bad - in the next few days.