Pools miss out in entertaining draw

If there was any justice, Hartlepool United would now be celebrating nine points from three home games in eight days, instead of having to be satisfied with just four points from a win, a draw and a defeat. But there is consolation for Mick Wadsworth in the way his team played in all three games – they deserved to win them all.

And that includes the goalless draw against Southampton, a game that made up for its lack of goals with sheer effort and entertainment from the two teams.
Pools had the edge, but credit to Southampton for their contribution to a fast, flowing game that kept the crowd entertained from start to finish.
Wadsworth told the Northern Echo: "I think they are a really good team and the way we acquitted ourselves was excellent, We worked incredibly hard and that produced some good football as well. We were on top for a lot of the game.
"We had to increase the pace in the second-half, we knew they would, but we got to grips and created a lot of good situations. It’s disappointing not to win as we shaded it on balance of play.
"We didn't deserve to lose to MK Dons on Saturday and we have taken four points from three tough home games in a week. I would have taken three draws.
"We’ve taken seven points from four home games against play-off challengers, so that’s not bad at all.''
There were chances for both teams throughout the game, with the second half better than the first. With Sam Collins outstanding at the back - again – Pools more than matched their “big club” visitors and both teams deserved the ovation they shared at the final whistle.
There was no history-making record appearance for sub Richie Humphreys, but that will come soon enough – perhaps on the long weekend trip to Exeter as Pools look for revenge for their 3-2 home defeat way back in September.