Useful start for promising Pools

A 2-2 draw at MK Dons is a useful way to start the League One season, but it could have been so much better for Hartlepool United – the home team’s added-time equalizer was clearly offside. 

It’s just the latest in the long run of hard-luck stories for Pools, but boss Mick Wadsworth was philosophical about things.

Adam Boyd gave Pools a deserved half-time lead with a class header and five minutes from time the man who replaced him in the second half, James Poole, slotted a brilliant second which looked to have given Pools a deserved winjjust three minutes after going on.

But MK Dons, who had equalized early in the second half, got their point when a cross was deflected into the net by sub Jabo Ibhere, who looked to be in an offside position.

It as a cruel ending for Pools, but Wadsworth told the club website: “It’s a good result and a great way to start the season.

“Obviously we are disappointed to let it slip, because I think we defended brilliantly throughout the game - we put ourselves in great shape to get the three points.”

Nobby Solano and Colin Nish made their debuts for Pools, both replaced in the second half – Poole going on for Nish and Nathan Luscombe, another debutant who created Poole’s goal, taking over from the Peruvian star.

Now Pools switch to the League cup on Tuesday night when alleged big club Sheffield United visit the Vic for a repeat of last season’s tie, while four days later Walsall make the trip for Pools’ first home League game of the season.

Win that and they’ll be well set up for another home game the following Tuesday against Huddersfield.