Swindon Review

By Eggy_Poolie
April 10 2006

Ritchie Humphreys put the visitors in front but Hartlepool couldnt hold on as they slip back into the relegation zone due to Rotherham beating Tranmere 2-0

Only two seasons ago these two teams met on the final day of the season and a 1-1 draw saw both sides into the Division 2 Playoffs, on Saturday both sides needed the points for completely different reasons, League 1 survival.
For the most part of the game Hartlepool were the attacking force and will probably be the more upset with the point. Early attacks by Matty Robson and Michael Proctor could have easily put Pools infront but a good save by Evans in the Swindon goal and Proctors volley going just wide kept the scores at 0-0.
The score was finally opened when the skipper Humphreys fired a low drive past the keeper with the aid of a deflection and the post. 1-0 Hartlepool.
The home side were short on creativity and didnt really challenge Dimi Konstantopolous until Steven Turnbull tugged his man inside the penalty area and Swindon were awarded a penalty. Swindons lack of ability in front of goal was summed up by a weak penalty from Curetons penalty and Dimi easily saved.

Half Time 1-0

At the beginning of the second half it was Swindon who where the brighter team. Lee Peackock equalising for the Robbins with a powerful header within ten minutes of the restart.
For a short time after the goal it looked like Swindon could go on and win the game and they looked the stronger team but their dominance was only temporary and Pools soon attacking again. Some good defending stopped Matty Robson after a great pass from Tommy Butler and Nelson was unlucky to see his header cleared off the line by Ifil.
Pools where not out of trouble yet and some great play on the left flank saw the ball crossed in to Cureton and he almost made up for his penalty miss but the cross bar came to Pools rescue.
Then Pools nearly stole the points when Micky Proctor charged down Evans' clearence (remind anyone of Darlington) but the keeper was soon on hand to collect the loose ball before Proctor could put it in the net. And Pools luck completely deserted them after a great piece of skill from Proctor after a T Butler pass and his volley flew over the bar

Full Time 1-1

Well both sides stay in the relegation zone after Rotherham beat Tranmere 2-0. Pools have it all to do in the rest of the season