10/10/99 - Hartlepool United 2 Hull City 0
Pool boss Chris Turner stuck with the side who comprehensively
swepted aside Darlington last week in a bid for a repeat
performance and another 3 points. The visitors made the better
start without creating many clear cut chances, but in a 15
minute spell before half time Martin Hollund took it upon himself
to turn hero for the day. Hollund did well to keep out a header
from John Eyre on 26 minutes and from the resulting corner
he changed direction well to keep out Eyre's swerving shot.
Then it was the turn of Mike Edwards to fall foul of Hollund
as the keeper kept out his header, and followed this up with a
magical save to prevent Colin Alcide opening the scoring. Four
minutes before the break he did it again, and again it was Alcide
who was foiled as a goal looked certain. It wasn't all one way traffic
though as Pool themselves created many chances. On 34 minutes
Hull keeper Richard Knight finger tipped a Greame Lee header over
the bar. From the resulting corner he foiled the big defender
again with a stunning point blank double save. The power of
Lee's header looked certain to send the ball into the back of
the net, but Knight was in the right place at the right time
and did brilliantly to block the header. In the second half
Pool settled down and Hollund had a much quieter half. Pool
went in front on 50 minutes. Neat work down the left by Sam
Shilton resulted in a smart one two with Gary Jones and then
the ball was setup for Tommy Miller to knock home for the
opening goal of the game. Hull came back at Pool and looked
to have equalised when a goal mouth scramble resulted and the ball
appeared to have crossed the line. However the referee was badly
placed and the linesman signalled that it had not. A Pool free kick
was the result. As the clock ticked down Chris Turner replaced
Gary Jones with Chris Freestone and Lee Fitzpatrick with Chris
Westwood. In the final minute of the game a long ball from the
back resulted in Knight racing from his goal line. But he completely
missed the ball and Chris Freestone was left with the task
of sliding the ball into the far corner of the net. FT: Pool 2 Hull 0.
Pool team: Hollund, Knowles, Lee, Barron, Vindheim, Shilton,
Fitzpatrick (Westwood), Miller, Stephenson, Jones (Freestone),
Henderson. Subs not used: Downey, Clark, Tennebo. Bookings:
none. Attendance: 3114.
After the game Chris Turner said "I was delighted
with the team's display. After the win against Darlington
last Saturday, it was important that we went on and built
on that with another win". Hull were a much better team than Darlington. Comfortable
on the ball and dangerous through the middle of the park. In some
respects this was a better win than the Darlington match. Pool
had to weather the storm and wait for the chances to come, but when
they did come, they were taken. ITN man
of the match of course goes to Martin
Hollund who had another blinder and is now easily Pools number one keeper.
This is of course reinforced by Chris Turner's decision to let
Andy Dibble go on loan to Carlisle. Tommy Miller took his goal
well and Chris Freestone was a little fortunate to be handed
a goal on a plate. But three points is three points. Pool are
now upto to 14th place in the table, and the air is kind of
thin up here! next up is a trip to Mansfield, come on Pools
keep it up.
6/10/99 - Perkins goes back to Chesterfield [top]
25 year old left back Chris Perkins has rejoined his
former club Chesterfield on a month's loan. Perkins joined
Pool in the summer on a bosman free from Chesterfield and
has made 9 appearances in the blue and white of Pool. However
he is struggling with the travelling and miss his family.
Perkins said "This move will hopefully spark my football again.
I admit I've been struggling with the travelling up here and
the fact I have rarely been able to see my two year old son.
It has meant I have not been enjoying my football as much as
I should be. I do like it at Hartlepool and want to help them
do well, but I know I have not been playing at my best here."
Best of luck to Chris from ITN, hopefully a spell at his former
club will rekindle his form and he'll will return to Hartlepool
and be a big success at the club. If this is not to be, well
at least he's been honest with HUFC. Not all transfers work
out.
3/10/99 - Hartlepool United 2 Darlington 0 [top]
Pool boss Chris Turner switched back to a 5-3-2 system
for the first of this season's derby games with Darlington.
Chris Freestone missed the game through injury and was replaced
by Kevin Henderson. Chris Perkins didn't recover from flu
which he had been carrying all week, and was replaced by Sam
Shilton making his full Pool debut. Ian Clark was also missing
from the first eleven, replaced with Lee Fitzpatrick also
making his full Pool debut. David Hodgeson stuck with the
same side which beat Plymouth 2-0 the week early, which meant
Gabbiadini was passed fit after breaking his nose in the Plymouth
win. Referee Uriah Rennie showed he was going to run the game
with a firm manner as he booked Kevin Henderson for shoving
Craig Liddle in only the third minute of the match. Captain
for the day Gabbiadini was next to be booked for a crunching
tackle on Darren Knowles. In the 10th minute Sam Shilton was
fouled on the edge of the box and Paul Stephenson drilled the
resulting free kick straight at Mark Samway's in the Darlington
goal. In the 14th minute Pool's first corner saw a Graeme Lee
header loop just over the bar. A minute later Pool forced another
corner. Gary Jones headed goalward but Samways raced back to his
line to gather the ball. In the 16th minute Gary Jones tried
a chip over Samways but the ball drift just inches wide of the
right hand post. In the 18th minute Martin Hollund saw his first
action of the game when Phil Brumwell tried his luck from 25 yards.
Hollund though held the ball easily. In the 21st minute Lee Nogan
was found unmarked by a Brian Atkinson cross but his 15 yard effort
flew over the bar. Kevin Henderson sneaked in behind the Darlington
defence a minute later, but his 18 yard shot whistled past the post.
In the 30th minute Craig Liddle just beat Sam Shilton to a Lee Fitzpatrick
cross when a goal looked on the cards. In the 33rd minute again
Henderson went close with a header. As half time approached
chances went begging for Tommy Miller and Lee Fitzpatrick for
Pool and Gabbiadini and Atkinson for Darlington. HT: 0-0
Pool got of to a flying start in the second half. Darren Knowles
sent in a right wing cross which Sam Shilton header past the
static Samways for his first league goal. Shilton's goal lit the
blue touch paper for mass celebration's in the Vic, from the Pools
fans only though! Atkinson was booked for a foul on Paul Stephenson
two minutes later. Gary Jones created an opening for Shilton whose
curling effort was turned away by Samways. Darlington looked rattled
by Pools passion and Oliver was the next player in Rennie's notebook.
Craig Russell found space inside the Pool box in the 56th minute
but he shot well wide. Darlington's best chance of the game came
after Gabbiadini and Nogan linked in the Pool box, Martin Hollund
saved the resulting shot and Runi Vindheim was on hand to clear
the ball away. In the 69th minute Pool went 2-0 up. Lee Fitzpatrick
went straight for the heart of the Darlington defence who stood
off and allowed him to shot, he did, from 30 yards and the ball
nestled nicely in the bottom of the net. Take the first goal
celebrations and double them as again the Vic roared to the
cheers of Poolies. Both goals coming right in front of the
travelling Darlington fans! Two minutes later Darlington nearly
pulled a goal back when Russell crept in behind Barron and slide
the ball past Hollund, with the ball rolling towards the line
Darren Knowles flung himself from the six yard box and with the
help of the post cleared the ball away, the third loudest
cheer of the day, a rendition of one Darren Knowles and the
clinched fist salute from Daz followed as the party continued.
On 74 minutes Fitzpatrick tried his luck again but this time from
25 yards his drive went wide of the goal. On 82 minutes both
sides made substitutions. For Pool Westwood and Clark replaced
Henderson and Fitzpatrick who both received standing ovations
for their battling displays. Four minutes of injury time just
prolonged the singing as Pool ran out comfortable winners. FT: 2-0
Pool team: Hollund, Knowles, Vindheim, Barron, Lee, Shilton,
Fitzpatrick (Westwood), Miller, Stephenson, Jones, Henderson (Clark).
Subs not used: Downey, Midgley, Tennebo. Booked: Henderson (dissent),
Hollund (time wasting). Attendance: 3957.
"We wanted it more. The commitment and passion we showed
was excellent. We deserved the three points over the 90 minutes"
- Chris Turner. Commitment and passion cannot be bought Mr Reynolds.
Niether can the sort of support and atmosphere created by the Town
End which was in full voice. Derby games mean so much to both sets
of fans and what must hurt most for Darlington was the lack of fight
shown by their team. Pool were up for the game, the fans were up
for the game, and the result was clearly correct. A sweet sweet
victory for Pool.
29/9/99 - Clark Says NO to Orient Again [top]
Pool winger Ian Clark has turned down a second offer
from Leyton Orient. The London side offered Clark improved
personal terms on the original three year deal. But again
Clark has turned Tommy Taylor's side down. Pool boss Chris
Turner said "Orient have made an improved personal offer
for Clark, but he is staying with us". It is believed that
Clark does not want to uproot his wife and newborn baby for
the capital. Or is it that bloke who shouts "goooooaaaaaalll"
who's putting him off!
25/9/99 - Leyton Orient 2 Hartlepool United 1 [top]
No changes for Chris Turner in this game as he named
the eleven who beat Plymouth 3-0 last week. That though is
about as far as the two performances can be compared. Orient went
ahead in the 12th minute when Josh Low ran unchallenged
into the area and his weak shot rolled under the body of the
diving Martin Hollund. Pool hit back just a minute later.
Tommy Miller was fouled by Smith 30 yards from goal.
Paul Stephenson cracked a low free kick that cannoned
off the right hand post and into the net, Stephenson's third
goal of the season, all from dead ball situations. In the 26th
minute Orient regained the lead. Martin Hollund tried to fist
away Matt Lockwood's corner, but his attempt was blocked by
a host of players and the ball was met by Dean Smith
at the near post who powered the ball home. In the second
half Chris Turner tried to change things around in the 62nd
minute when he brought on Kevin Henderson and Lee Fitzpatrick
to replace Gary Jones and Paul Stephenson. In the 74th minute
Sam Shilton made his debut replacing Chris Perkins. On 80 minutes
Pool were boosted when referee Les Cable sent off Orient's
Ampadu for a second bookable offence. Pool were lifted by the
sending off and a Barron shot was well saved by Bayes in the
home goal. Sam Shilton laid the ball off to Kevin Henderson
who rifled a low drive that was blocked. Henderson then
hit the side netting after turning the home defence inside
out. In the final minutes of the match Darren Knowles 20 yard
effort was spectacularly kept out by Bayes and when the on rushing
Tommy Miller looked certain to score he blazed the ball high into
the stand. FT: Orient 2 Pool 1.
Pool team: Hollund, Knowles, Lee, Vindheim, Perkins (Shilton),
Stephenson (Fitzpatrick), Barron, Miller, Clark, Jones (Henderson),
Freestone. Subs not used: Dibble, Westwood. Attendance: 3889.
After the match boss Chris Turner said "We had an awful start,
but when we got it to 1-1 I thought we would start to pick up
our game. We didn't and it was only in the last half hour that
we did that. In the end I thought we deserved a draw, but that's
how things are going for us at the moment. We are either losing
by the odd goal or beating teams convincingly. We have beaten
better teams than Orient though. I know it is frustrating, but
we have to keep going and keep working hard".
18/9/99 - Hartlepool United 3 Plymouth Argyle 0 [top]
Boss Chris Turner again changed his team as Pool went
in search of their first home points of the season. Out of
the 16 went Denny Ingram, Thomas Tennebo, Craig Midgley and
the injured Gary Strodder. In came new centre back Rune
Vindheim, fit again Graeme Lee and on loan players
Sam Shilton and Lee Fitzpatrick. But only Vindheim made the
starting line up out the new signings as Turner switched
to a 4-4-2 system with Greame Lee and Rune Vindheim at the
heart of the defence and Micky Barron pushed into a more
advanced midfield role. Gary Jones returned to the first 11
to partner Chris Freestone up front. Pool got off to the perfect
start when Paul Stephenson knocked a high cross into the box
for Chris Freestone to rise the quickest and loop a header
past Jon Sheffield and into the corner of the net. In the 7th
minute former Nottingham Forest player Paul McGregor found himself
unmarked on the right 18 yards out from goal, but his powerful
shot was beaten out by Martin Hollund. In the 14th minute
Pool right back Darren Knowles was fouled on the right wing.
Paul Stephenson stepped up and crossed towards the back post
were Greame Lee superbly met the ball and sent a header
across Sheffield into the far corner of the goal. Sheffield
was given no chance for the second time in the game. In the 21st
minute Martin Gritton watched on as his poked shot ran wide
of Hollund's goal after the keeper had wandered off his line.
In the 38th minute Hollund made arguably his finest save
of the match. Beswetherick crossed from the left and Gritton
hit the ball goalwards only for Hollund to produce a point blank
stop when a goal seemed certain. In the final minute of the first
half the Jones and Freestone combination nearly produced goal
number three. Stephenson's cross was flicked on by Jones and
Freestone's header was superbly pushed away by Sheffield
in the visitors goal.
Ian Stonebridge had the first chance of the second half as
Gritton played him in with just Hollund to beat. However Chris
Perkins did well to get back and a combination of a Perkins
challenge and the on rushing Martin Hollund was enough to put
Stonebridge off and Hollund collected the ball. In the 52nd
minute Pool captain Micky Barron smashed a shot against the
underside of the crossbar from a full 25 yards out. In the 75th
minute Clark and Freestone combined to give Paul Stephenson
the chance to shot, but his powerful drive was well beat out
by Sheffield. With 8 minutes remaining Chris Freestone took a
knock and was replaced by Kevin Henderson. In the 88th minute
Pool wrapped up the three points. Paul Stephenson fed the ball
out to Darren Knowles on the right wing. Knowles crossed the ball
into the box and Kevin Henderson hit a right foot shot
past Sheffield for his first competitive goal for Pool. In injury
time Turner sent on Chris Westwood for Micky Barron and Lee
Fitzpatrick for Paul Stephenson. Full Time: Pool 3 Argyle 0.
Pool team: Hollund, Knowles, Lee, Vindheim, Perkins, Stephenson
(Fitzpatrick 90), Barron (Westwood 90), Miller, Clark, Jones, Freestone (Henderson 82).
Subs not used: Dibble, Shilton. Bookings: none. Attendance: 2242.
Micky Barron excelled in his new midfield berth and Paul Stephenson
returned to form out on the wing. Martin Hollund collects the In the 'Net
man of the match award after a string of fine saves. Quiet performances
from Tommy Miller and Ian Clark spells good news as there is
more in the tank if needed. With Pool yet to utilise young Sam Shilton
things look much healthier in the Pool camp this week. Next for
Pool is a trip to Leyton Orient. Ian Clark is sure to put in a
good performance after rejecting a move to the London club just
a week ago.
17/9/99 - Turner lands Fitzpatrick [top]
Pool boss Chris Turner has signed Blackburn Rovers
midfielder Lee Fitzpatrick on a one month loan deal
in time for the home game with Plymouth. Turner has also
agreed a short term deal with central defender Rune
Vindheim. Turner said "Lee is someone who will strengthen
our midfield and has not had a chance at Blackburn. He is
aiming to prove a point and is looking forward to coming
here. Rune is another who is aiming to show what he can do
and I have been impressed with him this week".
17/9/99 - News Roundup [top]
Pool centre back Gary Strodder is expected to be
missing from first team action for at least two months
after an inflamation of and old achilles tendon injury
during the first half of the defeat at Northampton. Pool
boss Chris Turner has brought in Rune Vindheim on trial
with a view to the ex-Burnley man filling in for the absent
Strodder. Graeme Lee is back in training at could make
the first team for the home match with Plymouth Arglye.
Promising teenager Adam Boyd has signed a three year deal
with the club with Chris Turner saying "I believe if we
nuture him properly and he continues to work hard and learn
then he has got a great chance of doing well". Two goals
from Chris Freestone and one from Craig Midgley saw Pool
beat a youthful Middlesbrough team in a behind closed
doors friendly at the Vic on Wednesday.
11/9/99 - Northampton Town 2 Hartlepool United 1 [top]
Steven Howard, need I saw more? good then I won't. A lot
will be written about the big man's brace against his former
club. If Gary Strodder hadn't have left the pitch injured
a think there's a good chance ITN would be reporting an
away win for Pool today. Boss Chris Turner sprung a new
formation on Northampton, 4-5-1. Chris Westwood playing in
a midfield role, Denny Ingram at right back and Ian Clark
on the left wing. Gary Jones was left on the bench which meant
Chris Freestone playing alone up front. Pool took the lead in
the 24th minute when a Paul Stephenson right wing cross dropped
invitingly for Tommy Miller to smash home a left foot
volley into the top corner of the net, Miller's third goal of
the season. A few minutes earlier Gary Strodder left the field
of play with a knee injury and was replaced by Darren Knowles.
Denny Ingram moved into the centre of defence with Knowles
replacing him at right back. In the second half the lack
of height in the Pool defence proved costly. In the 61st minute
Hendon broke clear down the left, his low cross was back heeled
towards goal by Byfield and the ball fell to Stevie Howard
who rammed the ball home from four yards. 10 minutes later
another Hendon cross this time from the right found Mr Howard
in space, as Denny Ingram closed him down Howard smashed
a left foot first time volley into the corner of the net giving
Martin Hollund no chance of stopping it. In the 83rd minute
Pool should have pulled level. Tommy Miller crossed for Gary
Jones who mis-kicked in front of goal. In injury time
again Miller crossed from the right and Thomas Tennebo lashed
a volley wide. Full Time: Northampton 2 Hartlepool 1.
Pool team: Hollund, Perkins, Barron, Strodder (Knowles),
Ingram, Miller, Clark (Midgley), Westwood, Stephenson, Tennebo,
Freestone (Jones). Unused subs: Dibble, Henderson. Attendance: 4724.
10/9/99 - Darlington NOT chasing McAvoy [top]
Pool boss Chris Turner was today continuing to try
and complete a move for Blackburn winger Andy McAvoy
despite claims that rivals Darlington were trying to
hijack the deal. Turner said "I have spoken to David
Hodgson today and he said he is not interested in the lad.
Its seems someone has been stirring up some trouble between
us and Darlington and we don't know who it is. I am still
hopeful we can get Andy on loan". Micky Dunwell has gone
on loan to Whitby Town for a month but Gus Di Lella has
reject a similar offer from the Unibond league side.
Turner added "Michael is very much part of my plans for the
future, but he needs experience and regular games. This will
be ideal for him".
10/9/99 - Pedersen set for Pre Contract [top]
Number one Pool target Jan Ove Pedersen is today
reportedly ready to sign a pre contract agreement to
join Pools on November 1st. Pedersen's contract is up
at the end of October and with Brann Bergen refusing to
release him before then as they chase a Champions League
place for next season, this is the best way Chris Turner
has of landing the former Pool favorite. Austrian side Graz
are also reportedly interested in Pedersen, but he favours
a move back to Pool where he enjoyed a very successful loan
period two seasons ago.
9/9/99 - Clark rejects Orient offer [top]
Pool wingback/winger/midfielder/attacker!! Ian Clark
has today rejected a three year deal with Leyton Orient. O's
boss Tommy Taylor had a £20,000 bid for Clark accepted by
Chris Turner but Clark could not agree personal terms stating
'family reasons' as the stumbling block. Chris Turner said
"We received an offer from Orient, which we accepted. Ian is out
of contract at the end of the season and we allowed him to have
talks with the club. He has come back though and said he does
not want to go".
9/9/99 - McAvoy shines in Reserve win [top]
Pool reserves collected a 2-1 win over Halifax reserves
at the Vic last night, and Blackburn winger Andy McAvoy
impressed the watching crowd. A tap in by Craig Midgley made
it 1-0 to Pool but Halifax pulled level two minutes later.
Micky Dunwell smashed in a 25 yard drive 5 minutes from time.
Chris Turner said of McAvoy "He is the kind of player I want
here. He is very quick, takes people on and excites people".
McAvoy said of his performance "I felt a bit rusty considering
that was my first game, but I really enjoyed it. I have not had
many chances playing at Blackburn and we will have to wait and
see what happens now". Turner is believed to be pushing for
a loan deal initially and reports on the message board suggest
that McAvoy will join Pool for a month but Blackburn boss
Brian Kidd is not keen of the deal being made permanent.
The other trialist midfielder Michael Mols failed to impress and
has returned to Dundee United.
8/9/99 - Shilton junior joins Pool [top]
Chris Turner continued his early season Pool shake up today
with the capture of 21 year old Sam Shilton. The son of ex England
goalkeeping legend Peter has signed a two month loan deal with
a view to making the move permanent if successful. Shilton plays
left wing/wingback and has made seven appearances for Premiership
Coventry City since joining them from Plymouth Arglye in a
£12,500 deal in 1995. Turner beat a host of first division teams
including his former employers Wolves to Shilton signature.
Turner said "It is thanks to my friendship with Gordon Strachan
that I have managed to get Sam. Sam is a player with lots of
potential and quality. He has played at the highest level and a
lot is expected of him. I have brought him hear to add to the
competition in our side. He will come here initially on loan,
but we are hoping we can come to a permanent arrangement with
him after the two months".
7/9/99 - Turners keen on Lee [top]
Pool today made an ambitious move for Wigan winger David Lee.
The 31-year-old is interesting Pool boss Chris Turner and he see's
him a way of creating chances for Chris Freestone and Gary Jones who
have so far been starved of service this season. The pacy Lee
started his career at Bury before playing in the Premiership with
big-money moves to both Southampton and Bolton. He has been out of
favour at Second Division Wigan, who he joined in a £250,000 deal
from Bolton in July, 1997. He impressed Turner recently when scoring
twice as Wigan reserves beat Pool 2-1 at Victoria Park.
Turner said "He is the type of player I would like here. I am
trying to get him here on loan and then see how he does. He is not
getting first team football at Wigan so hopefully that might persuade
him to come here."
6/9/99 - McAvoy joins Mols on Trial / Gus on list [top]
Chris Turner has brought a second player in on trial.
Middlesbrough born Winger Andy McAvoy currently
with First Division Blackburn Rovers, will train with
Pool and bid to impress in the Halifax reserve game.
The 20-year-old has yet to make an appearance for Brian
Kidd's side, although he has been highly recommended.
"McAvoy has been recommended to us and he is another
we will look at closely. I have been constantly on the phone
to try to get new players because I am determined to improve
the quality in the squad. It is not an easy task though, but
I will keep going.''
Pool midfielder Gustavo Di Lella has requested to go on
the transfer list. Gus has started 4 games this season but
was disappointed not to be named amongst the substitute's
for the home match with Southend. Boss Chris Turner said
"Gus wants first team football, I cannot promise anybody
that".
5/9/99 - Mols on Trial [top]
Pool boss Chris Turner stepped up his search for new
players today and brought in 30-year-old Belgian Tonny Mols on
trial. Central midfielder Mols has been released by Dundee United
after 11 appearances in Scottish football. Chris Turner said
"He looks composed, but we will have a close look at him in
the reserve clash. (Halifax 8/9/99 ko 7pm) We are just waiting
for clearance from the Scottish FA to play him, but hopefully
there should not be a problem. Having players on trial means I
can get a close look at them before deciding whether to take them
or not.
4/9/99 - Hartlepool United 1 Southend 2 [top]
Pool suffered their third home league defeat in a row
against Southend end after Chris Freestone missed a penatly
on his birthday!! Pool took the lead in the first minute
of the second half when Southend keeper Mel Capelton fumbled
Paul Stephenson's free kick over the goal line. Southend
equalised soon after, Ian Clark was beaten down the left flank,
and the resulting cross was firmly headed home by a Southend
central defender. Boss Chris Turner replaced Gary Jones with
Kevin Henderson and it was Henderson who won the penatly.
He charged down an attempted clearance and Capelton came racing
out of his goal and although he appeared to touch the ball he
also took Henderson out. Capelton was lucky to stay on the pitch.
Chris Freestone stepped up to take the kick, but his side footed
attempt was saved by Capelton. Two minutes from time Martin
Hollund was strangely adjudged to have brought down Scott Houghton.
For York striker Neil Toulson stepped up and converted the
spot kick dispite Martin Hollund getting a hand to it.
Pool team : Hollund, Perkins, Ingram, Strodder, Barron, Clark,
Stephenson, Tennebo, Miller (Midgley), Jones (Henderson), Freestone.
Unused subs: Dibble, Hughes, Westwood. Attendance: 1980.
Pool boss Chris Turner said after the match "If we had scored
the penalty then we would have been 2-1 up. I cannot knock
Chris, but if he had tucked that away then I am sure we would
have all gone away celebrating a victory instead of being
booed off the field. I am stunned by the defeat. We did not
deserve to win with that performance, but we did not deserve
to lose. It was a poor from both sides and on that performance
neither side is going to do anything this season".
Sept - Oct 99
