Nailbiting Stuff

The only thing that mattered in the end was the result. Northampton arrived at the Vic having won their last five games but left with a 1-0 defeat ..

The rest of the results finally went Pools' way and the distance between us and the rest has narrowed.

It  was one of those foggy nights when a ballooned kick - and there were plenty of them - disappeared out of sight for a second or two. To be frank if it had been a bit foggier it wouldn't have made much difference to to the entertainment on show as there wasn't much of it.

There was scarcely a shot from either side in the first half - but things improved in the second.

Jack Compton switched to the right wing, and he caused problems even if his final delivery wasn't the best. He also cut inside and had a couple of efforts on target with his left foot.

Unfortunately, with Scott Fenwick injured, Ronnie Moore had little choice but to start with Marvin Morgan and Marlon Harewood upfront and they played as though they had never met before - indeed they hadn't until last Saturday.

However, the newcomer covered himself with glory when the Cobblers' defence messed up half way throuigh the second half. The ball rolled straight in front of the lanky new striker who cooly advanced to the edge of the box to slot the ball home with his left foot.

That was the cue for Pools to pick up their game with Michael  Woods and Aaron Tshibola working hard in midfield ,and Compton continuing to pose the main threat.

Harewood picked up his game when he became the lone striker when a tiring Morgan exited and he should have put us out of our agony with a second goal.

He missed two gilt edged chances when he chose to shoot rather get himself into the box before having a go.

The first effort screwed wide of the upright and the second was poorly struck at the keeper after young sub Connor Smith set him up.

And so, with four minutes of injury time, Northampton finally put some play together. They produced one shot which Flinders did well to palm away, but Pools held out to massive relief from the disappointingly small corwd of less than 3,000.

We'll need better support, and more passion and belief from the players, if we are to make it two in in a row when Stevenage visit on Saturday.