Sweeney strike earns poetic justice for Pools

There was more than a touch of poetic justice as Anthony Sweeney’s 11th goal of the season gave Hartlepool United a much-needed win over Colchester at Victoria Park. Boss Mick Wadsworth had ordered a win at all costs to end his team’s run of seven games without a win, but there was a whole lot more to it than that.

Wadsworth, his players and the fans still held vivid memories of the robbery they suffered at Colchester in November, when an outrageous refereeing decision gave the home team a late penalty that took them to an undeserved 3-2 win.
So it was fitting that Sweeney should strike with just two minutes left to sink the visitors at the end of a game that was ruled by nerves from both teams. Pools were trying to end their own dismal run, while Colchester had only won twice since that controversial victory over Pools three months ago, so confidence wasn’t exactly high.
Wadsworth brought back the B-team in attack, Adam Boyd partnering James Brown in a desperate search for the scoring touch the team has missed so much, but they couldn’t come up with an answer.
Only when the dropped Andy Monkhouse and Colin Larkin went on for the pair midway through the second half did Pools really pick up their game, though chances still went begging until Sweeney settled it with a good close-range finish after a Monkhouse free-kick caused problems for the Colchester defence.
Wadsworth told the club website: “It’s been a difficult month, but this group of players has huge resolve and I have to give them enormous credit because of what they have done and said in the last few days.
“When the goal went in we all had a sense of ecstasy, jubilation and relief. I think it was a deserved victory and it’s nice to get the win.”
Sweeney, meanwhile, admitted that watching a video of the team’s horror show at Oldham in midweek helped to turn things round.
Next weekend’s visit to leaders Brighton will test the resolve Wadsworth admires so much to the limit.