Blame me says MW as Pools run comes to an end
By Charlie Summerbell
January 4 2011
Mick Wadsworth summed it up perfectly as Hartlepool United’s five-game winning streak ground to an abrupt halt at Notts County – “all good things come to an end,” he said as he even volunteered to shoulder the blame for the second and third goals after he made changes in an effort to get the team back into the game.
It’s a setback, but Wadsworth has been round the block enough to know that it’s not the end of the world and he and the players appear to be determined to get back on another run as soon as possible.
Without injured defensive kingpin Sam Collins, Pools fell behind in the first half and conceded two more goals in the second as they began to chase the game.
Wadsworth told the Northern Echo: “We have been on a fantastic run and I said to the lads in the dressing room that I’m not angry. Yes, I’m a little bit disappointed, of course.
“Winning games away from home like we have been isn’t going to carry on for ever is it?
“At 0-0, we had good chances and could have got our noses in front. But I was disappointed with the way we defended for the opening goal.
“The reality is that we have been on a fantastic run which has come to an end. We lost 3-0 and I will take responsibility for goals two and three because I made changes to push on and search for a way back.
“We are in great shape, have done fantastically well and we remain positive.”
Even in defeat and even when his team concede as many as three goals, Wadsworth has the uncanny knack of saying the right things at the right time.
Before falling behind, Pools might have gone in front as Antony Sweeney’s header was saved by keeper Rob Burch and they had a penalty appeal turned down when Jon Harley appeared to handle.
Thomas Ince, son of the County manager Paul, gave Notts the lead in the first half, and Bore-o loanee Lee Miller and Craig Westcarr made sure of a home win.
It was an off day for Pools, but these things happen and Pools are still eighth with a game in hand on most of the teams near them.
They have every right to go to Watford for Saturday’s FA Cup tie full of hope.