Pools draw pleases Cooper
Sweens - great goal
By Charlie Summerbell
January 22 2012
A spectacular late goal from Antony Sweeney further improved Hartlepool United's impressive away record as they snatched a point from a 2-2 draw at Sheffield Wednesday - a result and performance that almost left boss Neale Cooper lost for words ... almost.
His players battled for 90 minutes for their point and when Sweeney struck with just three minutes left Cooper was like a man possessed.
Peter Hartley had headed Pools in front soon after half-time, but home sub Jermaine Johnson levelled and Gary Madine gave Wednesday a lead they didn’t look like losing … until Sweeney’s long-range finish.
“They were superb today,” Cooper told the club website. “They were like warriors … to come here and get anything is a big thing.
“What a wonderful goal to equalize and then credit to them for hanging on because they came at us with everything. I can’t ask for any more from the players than they gave.”
Cooper also thanked the travelling fans for their support, adding: “They got the goal at their end so I hope they went home happy. We are all grateful for their support.”
After two draw in successive away games, Pools are back at the Vic next weekend when Carlisle are the visitors – a team on the fringe of the playoffs keen on revenge after losing 2-1 at home to Pools back in September.