Goalless Pools get season off to satisfactory start

The build-up wasn't fantastic and the omens weren't good, but Hartlepool United got their new season off to a useful start in the only goalless game of the day in League One, earning a point at newly-promoted Rochdale with a better performance than many people might have expected.

In fact, it was a far better performance than Rochdale's, and on chances and possession Pools really should have won.
Although Scott Flinders had to make a couple of good saves in the first half as Rochdale's opening-day enthusiasm carried them forward, otherwise the Pools keeper had little to do.
Joe Gamble and Andy Monkhouse (right) both went close early on, while in the second half there were good chances for Antony Sweeney and Sam Collin as Pools dominated the game.
New coach Mick Wadsworth's pre-season work appears to have produced a good team pattern, but the worry is in front of goal where Pools don't look dangerous enough.
They started the season with Peter Hartley alongside Collins in the middle of the defence in the absence of suspended Gary Liddle, new signing Evan Horwood operating at left-back.
In midfield there was also a debut for Paul Murray, while up front big Armann Bjornsson started alongside James Brown, though he was replaced by Adam Boyd for the second half.
International clearance for Fabian Yantorno did not arrive in time for him to feature in the Pools squad.
It was a satisfactory start for Pools rather than a spectacular one, boss Chris Turner pointing out the obvious when he said after the game that his side could have won with better finishing.
But it's a start and the performance was a good one in the circumstances.