Away point helps, but pressure still on Pools

They needed a result, and they got it – 0-0 at Tranmere is hardly the sort of scoreline that is going to set the football world buzzing, but at least it stopped the rot on the road for Hartlepool United as they at last ended a nine-game losing streak in away games.

Chris Turner made the changes he threatened, dropping both Richie Jones and Adam Boyd, and also had to do without injured Gary Liddle from the start and Neil Austin after less than half an hour.
But Ben Clark did well in Liddle’s place and Leon McSweeney went on for Austin to earn himself the man of the match vote. He says he wants to play at right-back, which seemed a bit rish when Austin is having a steady season - but McSweeney really looked the part there.
There were chances for Tranmere at the start, while it was Pools who looked the better side in the second half, but really it was one of those games that looked destined for a goalless draw from very early on.

The result keeps Pools ahead of the drop zone, though only just, and they face a difficult test at Southampton on Tuesday night before at last getting back home at the Vic against Danny Wilson’s Swindon on Easter Saturday.

They might have got a point at Tranmere, but recent results away from home have dropped Pools right in the mire and they have to make the most of their six games in April.
Turner told the Northern Echo: “This was a gritty performance and was just what we needed. Conditions weren’t great but we dug in and showed our strength.

“I was looking for a response after last week and got it.
“In the second half we had the best chances, we looked comfortable, and our only worry was on set-plays. The back five played well and we didn’t let them force us back.