28/12/99 - Lincoln City 1 Hartlepool United 2
Chris Turner must have been a very good boy this year, as Santa
has delivered exactly what he wished for, 9 points out of 9. Pool
travelled to Lincoln on the back of two 2-1 victories. And guess what,
they notched up 2-1 number three of the Christmas period. Ian Clark
was pushed forward into his more favoured left wing role, with
Sam Shilton stepping in at left wing back. Gary Mason made way.
Tommy Miller returned to the team after recovering from flu which
saw him withdrawn after only 20 minutes against York on Saturday.
Pool dominated from the kick off on a frozen pitch attacking towards
the 661 traveling Poolies. And it was Ian Clark who put Pool in front
in only the 9th minute. The ball fell kindly for Clarkie 20 yards
from goal, and he sweetly (with the aid of a slight deflection) slammed
the ball past Richardson in the Lincoln goal. Pool continued to push
forward with Henderson, Clark, Miller and Jones all going close to extending
Pools lead. Pool won 10 corners to Lincoln's 1 in the first half.
HT: Lincoln 0 Pool 1.
In the second half Lincoln decided to make a game of it and came
out all guns blazing. The second half was Martin Hollund's as again
he pulled out a number of brilliant saves to keep his side in the game.
Against the run of play Pool went 0-2 up in the 53rd minute. Tommy
Miller blasted the ball across Richardson and into the far corner
of the net from 25 yards out. A great goal to send to traveling fans
wild. Pool though were soon pegged back again when in the 61st
minute Paul Miller connected cleanly with a Lincoln corner
giving Martin Hollund no chance in the Pool goal. As the second half
continued both sides created chances. Gary Strodder hit the bar
for Pool, Martin Hollund made more vital saves and Greame Lee had
a chance cleared off the line. Pool held firm at the back and collected
another valuable three points on their travels. FT: Lincoln 1 Pool 2.
Pool team: Hollund, Knowles, Lee, Strodder, Westwood, Shilton,
Stephenson, Miller, Clark, Henderson (McAvoy), Jones.
Subs: Dibble, Freestone, Midgley, Boyd. Attendance: 3480.
On the first half display alone Pool deserved these three points.
To go away from home and dominated 45 minutes of football as Pool did
shows real strength. Still not convinced? take a look at the league
table were you'll see Pool are now proudly sitting in 5th position.
Just six points off the top of the table. 1999 has finished with
Pool in fantastic form, Chris Turner's team can now look forward
to the new year knowing they are well placed for an exciting race
through to May. We welcome the Dale to Victoria Park next, January
3rd 2000. The first game of the new Millennium, lets fill the Vic.
26/12/99 - Hartlepool United 2 York City 1 [top]
Merry Christmas ITN reader. 4668 fans turned out at the Vic
for the Boxing day visit of York City, and another 3 points in
the bag for Pool. Andy McAvoy dropped down to the bench, replaced
by Gary Mason, a result of McAvoy's sending off at Exeter last weekend.
Gary Strodder came in for the suspended Micky Barron,
Strodders first start in three months after an injury layoff.
York came to the Vic in poor form but opened the brighter.
Martin Hollund had to be alert in the second minute as he got down
low to his left to keep out Colin Alcide's stab at goal. Hollund
was called upon three times in the early stages as York looked
for an early goal. On 8 minutes John Williams powered away from
Ian Clark and headed goalwards, but Hollund turned away his shot
across the face of goal. Greame Lee and Darren Knowles then
got their wires crossed and left the ball for each other, but
Marc Williams nipped in and shot early. However Hollund was again
equal to the effort and turned it away. At the other end Pool's best
play came through ex City star Paul Stephenson. Gary Jones
connected with a Stevo free kick but his header hit the base of
Bobby Mimms post. In the 22nd minute Tommy Miller was replaced
by Andy McAvoy as Miller struggled to cope with the flu. Pool
took the lead in the 32nd minute. Another Stevo free kick headed
for Greame Lee, who this time flicked the ball on. As it hit the
ground in a crowded 18 yard box Kevin Henderson smashed the
ball past Mimms for his 5th goal of the season. Soon after Steve
Agnew was booked for a late challenge on Chris Westwood. Henderson
went close to a second when a bullet header from a Darren Knowles
cross which flashed across the front of the goal. HT: Pool 1 York 0.
As the game got underway in the second half Pool immediately
pushed forward looking to kill City off. Gary Strodder lifted the
ball over the static City defence and Henderson raced on, but Mimms
beat Henderson to the ball. Paul Stepheson's set pieces continued
to trouble his old team and in the 57th minute he nearly collected
his reward. From 25 yards out Stevo curled the ball over the wall
but his effort hit the bar with Mimms stranded. City though drew level
almost immediately. Greame Lee was harshly penalised for a foul
and Barry Conlon went one better than Stevo and sent his free
kick high into the top left hand corner of Martin Hollund's goal.
The York goal silenced the home crowd and York started to threaten
again with some quick counter attacks. But it was Henderson who
settled the match with a superb goal. In the 74th minute Stevo
took a right wing free kick and with his back to goal Henderson
smashed an overhead kick past the static Mimms and send to Vic into
raptures again. It was a goal of sheer class and a worthy match
winner. In the final minutes of the match both teams had chances
to add goals to the score. But on the heavy pitch Pool held firm
to collect their 10th home win in 11 games. FT: Pool 2 York 1.
Pool team: Hollund, Knowles, Lee, Strodder, Westwood, Clark,
Stephenson, Miller (McAvoy), Mason (Shilton), Henderson, Jones (Freestone).
Subs: Dibble, Midgley. Booked: Clark. Attendance: 4668.
Without playing their best football, again Pool collected all
three points and now proudly occupy a play off position in the third
division table. Sixth place is Pools highest position this season.
1999 has finished with Pool looking like they can atleast keep pace
with the leading 6 or 7 teams in the third division. If the second
half on the season continues as the first has finished, there is
no reason why Pools season shouldn't be extended into June. After the
game Pool boss Chris Turner hailed Kevin Henderson's stunning match
winning goal. "If that was scored in the Premier League everybody
would be saying it was from someone worth £10m. It was a piece
of geniune skill, certainly not a fluke. I set a target before
Christmas and now we have taken six points out of six. We didn't
play as well as we have been, but we are not going to play so
well every week. Martin Hollund kept us in the game in the first
25 minutes with three brilliant saves and Paul Stephenson worked very
hard in midfield. Last season we might have lost this game after
they equalised, but we dug it out and won."
18/12/99 - Exeter City 1 Hartlepool United 2 [top]
A 700+ mile roundtrip, two goals for Jonah and three points.
Job done, all back on the bus. Pool got back on track after last
weeks defeat with a third away win of the season. Manager Chris
Turner brought back Kevin Henderson in place of Gary Mason. Andy
McAvoy dropped back into midfield with Henderson renewing his
partnership with Gary Jones up front. Ian Clark continued to keep
Sam Shilton out of the first team, and Gary Strodder took a place
on the bench after three months on the sidelines. Pool took the
lead in the 31st minute after good work from Andy McAvoy.
Pools new flying midfield man found space on the right wing and
crossed for Gary Jones to superbly head home from 12 yards.
Pool went into the break with the advantage. HT: Exeter 0 Pool 1.
In the second half Pool were reduced to 10 men for the second
game in a row. On 60 minutes Graeme Power made a late tackle on
Andy McAvoy, who retaliated and was shown the red card by referee
Phil Richards. Chris Turner introduced Gary Strodder for Kevin
Henderson on 71 minutes to try and consolidate Pool's lead.
Exeter started to push forward to use their man
advantage. In the 74th minute Exeter drew level. Chris Curran
ran onto a through ball and from 25 yards his shot squirmed under
the body of Martin Hollund, and into the back of the Pool goal.
Exeter stepped up the pace as they went looking for the three points.
However they were stunned when Pool regained the lead. In the 78th
minute Pool sprung the Exeter offside trap. Gary Jones
ran onto a long ball from the Pool defence, kept his cool,
and beat Stuart Naylor in the home goal. In the final minutes of the
match Exeter pushed men forward but could not find a way past
battling Pool. FT: Exeter 1 Pool 2.
Pool team: Hollund, Knowles, Lee, Barron, Westwood, Clark,
Stephenson, Miller, McAvoy, Henderson (Strodder), Jones.
Subs: Dibble, Mason, Freestone, Shilton. Attendance: 2261.
Booked: Miller. Sent off: McAvoy.
An excellent win for Pool on their travels. After last weeks
disappointing home defeat to Swansea, three points from this game
keeps Pool well in touch with the leading pack in the third division.
York City on Boxing day are Pools next opposition, three more
points will mean a very Happy Christmas for Pool. Happy Christmas
In the 'Net reader.
11/12/99 - Hartlepool United 0 Swansea City 1 [top]
Well all good things come to an end. Pools run of nine victories
without a goal conceeded at Victoria Park came to an abrupt end
this afternoon as Swansea took all three points back to the Vetch.
Missing from the Pool line up was striker Kevin Henderson, his place
going to the speedy Andy McAvoy. Gary Jones and Tommy Miller returned
to the side after being rested during the AWS win over Halifax.
Chris Freestone stepping down to the bench. In the first 20 minutes it
was clear to see why Chris Turner chose to start with McAvoy up
front and not Chris Freestone. In the 3rd minute of the match
McAvoy chased a long ball through the middle and was only just
beaten to it by Roger Freestone in the Swansea goal. A minute later
McAvoy blasted over from 20 yards out. On 6 minutes Tommy Miller
nutmegged a Swansea defender inside the 18 yard box, but the ball
over ran and went behind for a corner as a Swansea defender got
the last touch. After these early exchanges the game settled down
into a competitive battle. The wet and muddy conditions were always
going to make flowing football difficult. As was the obvious height
of the visiting team. The decisive goal of the game came in the
35th minute. A Paul Stephenson corner fell to Graeme Lee who missed
the ball whilst attempting to drive at goal. Jonathon Coates
headed off for the Pool goal on a quick counter attack. Ian Clark
slid in with a brave last ditch tackle, but couldn't stop Coates
getting the ball through to Jason Price. Price's first shot
was brilliantly blocked by Martin Hollund, but he collected the
rebound and slide the ball into the net. First goal scored by a visiting
team in 14 hours and 8 minutes! In the 40th minute it all went pearshaped.
Micky Barron tangled with Steve Watkin and Kevin Lynch (he'll be the
fatherless child in the black) decided that Barron delibrately stamped
on Watkin and sent him off. From my view point it looked like six of
one and half a dozen of the other. Remember Shearer at Leicester? well
very similar circumstances. Paul Stephenson was booked on 43 minutes
for dissent as Lynch struggled to keep control of the game.
HT: Pool 0 Swansea 1.
Swansea had the ball in the back of the net again on 50 minutes,
but the goal was disallowed for dangerous play (high over head kick)
by brick out house Alsop. In the 63rd minute Paul Stephenson twisted
and turned past two players, before seeing his 18 yard shot fly
just over the post. Two minutes later Spike Lee made a crucial
tackle to deny Cusack a clear run on goal as Swansea's man advantage
started to show. In the 72nd minute Chris Turner made a double
substitution by bringing on Sam Shilton for Ian Clark and Craig
Midgley for Gary Mason, whose loan period is just about up now.
In the 85th minute Gary Jones and Martin Thomas both received a
yellow card after squaring upto each other. 60 seconds later
Thomas was sent off after a late tackle on Chris Westwood as
he swept the ball upfield. Pool pushed forward for the remainder
of the game with Sam Shilton providing renewed attacking impetus.
In the first minute of injury time Andy McAvoy swept a right wing
cross into the six yard box, but Gary Jones could only direct the
ball straight at Freestone. FT: Pool 0 Swansea 1.
Pool team: Hollund, Knowles, Lee, Barron, Westwood, Clark (Shilton),
Stephenson, Miller, Mason (Midgley), McAvoy, Jones.
Subs: Dibble, Tennebo, Freestone. Attendance: 2397.
Booked: Stephenson, Jones. Sent off: Barron.
So back to the drawing board for Chris Turner. Credit were
credit is due. Swansea were a well organised, well built outfit
who arrived at the Vic and stopped Pool from playing there usual
flowing football. If only Kevin Lynch had allowed the game to be
played by two teams of 11, there would be no bitter taste.
Pool now need at least a point from the long journey to Exeter
to make sure they keep in touch with those elusive play off places.
Pool were drawn away to Preston in the second round of the Auto
Windscreens thingy this morning. The tie is due to be played the
week beginning 10th January. That's a nice easy fixture!
7/12/99 - Hartlepool United 1 Halifax Town 0 [top]
Chris Turner decided to rest Gary Jones and Tommy Miller
as Pool looked for revenge over Halifax, after their 0-2 win
at the Vic earlier in the season. Chris Freestone returned to
the starting 11 and Andy McAvoy came in for his first start at
the Vic. And it was McAvoy who ran the first half with his direct
style and high energy runs at the Halifax defence. Such a run
brought about the only goal of the game in the 14th minute.
McAvoy strode past two half hearted challenges and lashed the ball
across the face of the goal. Chris Freestone could not reach it,
but Kevin Henderson blasted the ball home from six yards
at the back post. Pool could easily have stretched their lead
as the visitors looked uninterested in putting up much of a fight.
HT: Pool 1 Halifax 0.
At the start of the second half, Turner swapped Midgley for
McAvoy as he continued his policy of easing the exciting McAvoy
into first team contention. Pool attacking the Town End created
plenty of chances with both Chris Freestone and Ian Clark guilty
of not finishing off Pool's own brand of total football. Late in
the game Halifax tried to rally, but Pool's back three of Lee,
Barron and Westwood never looked in much trouble. Another home
game without Martin Hollund having a save to make! FT: Pool 1
Halifax 0.
Pool team: Hollund, Knowles, Lee, Barron, Westwood, Clark,
Stephenson, McAvoy (Midgley), Mason, Freestone (Boyd), Henderson.
Subs: Dibble, Tennebo, Miller. Attendance: 1442.
Booked: None.
Hardly a classic game of football, but a safe passage through
to round two of the AWS. Pool are continuing to look impressive
at home and unlikely to surrender their run of 9 wins (all with
clean sheets) on the trot without a considerable fight. Swansea
arrive at fortress Victoria Park on Saturday, a promotion six
pointer? perhaps to early to say. But Pool will again be
looking to continue were they started right back on 18th September,
with another home win.
4/12/99 - Hartlepool United 1 Peterborough United 0 [top]
Midfield starlet Tommy 'Chelsea' Miller returned to the Pool line
up after missing the Macclesfield draw with a bruised foot. New
signing Andy McAvoy dropped down to the bench. Gary Mason made his
home debut in a Pool team looking to continue their superb home
form. And continue it they did with their eighth home win in a
run, all with clean sheets. On a bitterly cold day Pool created
the first chance of the game in the ninth minute when Kevin
Henderson picked the ball up just inside the Peterborough half,
chipped over the Posh defence and ran on before sliding the ball
through to Gary Jones. Jonah's low shot was well blocked by the
alert Matthew Wicks. A minute later Henderson sent in a cross when
holding the ball up and waiting for support looked the better option.
In the 16th minute Howard Forington sent a through ball for
Andy Clarke to chase, but Martin Hollund and Graeme Lee got their
act together this week and Hollund cleared comfortably. A minute
later Chris Westwood made a vital late clearance with Steve Castle
lurking. In the 18th minute a Tommy Miller cross saw Gary Jones
try his luck with a over head kick, but it went well over the bar.
In the 19th minute Peterborough cleared a corner only as far as
Micky Barron who smashed a shot well wide of Mark Tyler's left hand
post. In the 20th minute Pool broke the deadlock. A long ball from
captain Micky Barron saw Gary Jones putting pressure on
visiting defender Andy Edwards. Tyler came out and Edwards left
the ball for the keeper, who proceeded to leave the ball to
Edwards. Jonah was happy to slide the ball into an empty net for
only his third goal of the season, but his second against Peterborough.
Pool won their second corner in the 27th minute. Again the ball was
cleared to Barron, who this time shot over the bar from 25 yards.
32nd minute saw great work for Jones who played Miller into a
goal scoring position, but Edwards blocked the shot. A minute later
Gary Mason smashed a 12 yard shot at Tyler who did well to turn
the ball away. In the 44th minute Chris Westwood made a vital
clearance in the Pool six yard box, which was followed up by another
impressive block by Paul Stephenson as Pool headed into the break
with the advantage. HT: Pool 1 Posh 0.
In the 53rd minute Pool looked to break quickly. Clark
headed to Mason who in turn sent Henderson away, Hendo sent in
a low cross from the left which was lashed away by Adam Drury
with Gary Jones waiting to double his tally at the back post.
In the 58th minute a Posh corner was well cleared by Spike Lee
who was keeping Howard Forington nice and quiet. In the 60th
minute Pool twice came close to extending their lead. First Tommy
Miller saw a shot block by Edwards and then Henderson had a header
well saved by Tyler from a Stephenson free kick. In the 62nd minute
Mason tried his luck from 20 yards, but he shot just wide. Straight
after yet another chance for Pool, this time Ian Clark's shot was
well saved by Tyler. Peterborough were stuggling to create chances
for the front partnership of Forington and Clarke, who both looked
cold and miserable! In the 73rd minute Chris Turner brought off
Kevin Henderson and sent of Andy McAvoy for his home debut. McAvoy
put on an impressive show which highlighted why Chris Turner rates
him so highly. With his lightening pace McAvoy could have hit
a 15 minute hattrick. In the 76th minute Simon Davies sent a 20
yard shot wide of Hollund's goal as finally Peterborough started
to put some pressure on Pool. In the 77th minute Forington got his
best chance of the match. With just Hollund to beat, Forington hesitated
and took an extra touch, which allowed Lee to poke the ball away
from him and Hollund collected the ball. In the 79th minute
McAvoy knocked the ball past a Posh defender and blasted away from
him down the right wing, his cross just eluding Gary Jones.
Long range shots from both Farrell and Drury went wide of Hollund's
goal as the clock ran down. In the final minutes of the game
McAvoy found himself one on one with Tyler, he poked the ball to the
right of the keeper but just past the post. In the final minute Tommy
Miller sent a shot crashing against the far post from 12 yards
out. Into injury time, again McAvoy's pace caused the tiring
Posh defence problems, but his finishing let him down. FT: Pool 1 Posh 0.
Pool team: Hollund, Knowles, Lee, Barron, Westwood, Clark,
Stephenson, Miller, Mason, Jones, Henderson (McAvoy).
Subs: Dibble, Midgley, Tennebo, Freestone. Attendance: 2404.
Booked: McAvoy, Jones.
Darlington left the Vic licking their wounds. Barnet got
played off the park and now Peterborough leave the Vic empty
handed. Pool have nothing to fear in this division, especially
at home. Chances are being created for fun, somebody is going
to get thrashed at the Vic, VERY SOON. Next up Tuesday night match
in the most important cup competition of the season! the Auto
Whotsit Cup thingy bob. Then a six pointer as 8th placed Swansea
visit the Vic on Saturday.
28/11/99 - Macclesfield Town 3 Hartlepool United 3 [top]
Pool top scorer Tommy Miller failed a late fitness test for this
tricky game away to Macclesfield, and was replaced by new
signing Andy McAvoy. This was the only change from the team which
did everything but score in the 0-0 draw at Torquay on Tuesday
night. Chris Turner's side arrived at Macclesfield knowing a difficult
was ahead of them as Macclesfield were unbeaten in nine games.
Chris Priest opened the scoring for the home side in only
the 6th minute. Simon Davies swung in a good ball which eventually
fell for Prieston the edge of the box. He smashed a right foot
volley into the corner of the net, giving Martin Hollund no chance.
Macclesfield went 2-0 up in the 28th minute through the divisions
top scorer Richie Barker. Martin Hollund came out to clear a
long ball just inside his box, but with Graeme Lee under pressure
from Barker the keeper struck the ball against Spike and it looped
over his head leaving Barker with the simple task of heading the ball
into the back of the net. HT 2-0.
In the second half Pool pressed forward in the hope of getting
back into the game, and they did. Just 30 seconds after the restart
Gary Jones was tripped inside the box by Simon Collins and the ref
awarded Pool a penalty. With regular takers Tommy Miller and
Chris Freestone absent from the starting 11, Ian Clark
stepped up and confidently scored his first goal in 10 months.
In the 67th minute Macclesfield restored their two goal advantage.
Davies swung in a corner and Hollund seemed set to gather it when
suddenly John Askey arrived from nowhere and headed the
ball into the net at the near post. Chris Turner responded by
putting three subs on. Thomas Tennebo, Craig Midgley and Chris
Freestone came on to replace Andy McAvoy, Gary Mason and Gary
Jones. In the 85th minute Pool made sure of a tense finish when
Graeme Lee rose superbly to met a Paul Stephenson free kick
and power a header into the back of the net. Pool pushed forward
in the final minutes of the game in search of an equaliser.
In injury time Ian Clark collected the ball ran 15 yards found
a space in the Macc defense and slotted the ball home for his
second of the match and Pool a share of the points. FT 3-3.
Pool team: Hollund, Knowles, Lee, Barron, Westwood, Clark,
Stephenson, McAvoy (Tennebo), Mason (Midgley), Jones (Freestone),
Henderson. Subs: Dibble, Vindheim. Attendance: 2351.
After the match Macclesfield manager Sammy McIllroy slammed his
team saying "It was the most unprofessional display I have ever
seen, lacking in discipline and commitment. I could not believe
my eyes". Pool boss Chris Turner said "We deserved a point, if
I was Sammy McIllroy I'd feel pretty angry as well". Pool now
face three homes games on the trot. Leagues games with high
flying Peterborough and then Swansea City, with a AWS game against
Halifax sandwich between. Three wins would be superb and keep
Pools dreams of a succesful season burning brightly.
23/11/99 - Torquay United 0 Hartlepool United 0 [top]
Paul Stephenson returned to the Pool line up to replace
Rune Vindheim who dropped down to the bench. Injured Sam Shilton
was replaced by Ian Clark and Kevin Henderson replaced the out of
sorts Chris Freeston as Pool looked to put the Hereford
dissapointment behind them. It was veteran keeper Neville Southall
who stole the show with a class performance between the home sides
sticks. Southall earned Torquay a point, but Pool were unlucky not
to take all three. Southall produced brilliant saves to deny
Chris Westwood in the first half and Gary Jones twice after the
interval. His two one-on-one saves from striker Jones were right
out of the top drawer. Southall was easily the star of a poor
quality match in which Torquay, beaten only once in their last
nine matches, mustered only one effort in 90 minutes. FT 0-0.
Pool team: Hollund, Knowles, Lee, Barron, Westwood, Clark,
Stephenson, Miller, Mason, Jones, Henderson. Subs: Dibble,
Midgley, Vindheim, Freestone, Boyd. Attendance: 2060.
Although disappointed not to have take the three points after
having the lions share of the game, Chris Turner should be content
with a point. All that is missing from his Pool team is a goal
scoring edge. New signing Andy McAvoy should provide yet more
chances for the strikers with his powerful runs on the right.
McAvoy only played one game on trial at Pool, but impressed enough
for Turner to have kept a close eye on him over the last month
or so. Macclesfield away next, another point would indicate progress,
three points and a debut McAvoy strike would be perfect.
21/11/99 - Hereford United 1 Hartlepool United 0 [top]
No need for a match report I think, you'll all have either
watched the game on Sky, listened on the various webcasts, or read
enough reports to have acquired a firm grasp of the basics. Pool
weathered the early storm, took control but failed to convert their
chances. In the second half a defensive mix up gifted Hereford a
soft goal. Pool pushed men forward but couldn't find a way back
into the game. Missing Paul Stephenson didn't help, but it shouldn't
have matter all that much. Had Chris Freestone took his golden
chance it would have been a different scoreline. Millwall have bounced
back in style after Pool dumped them out of the FA Cup. Pool must
now try and do the same. With difficult away games at Torquay and
Macclesfield coming up this week, this is turning out to be a very
big seven days for Chris Turner's HUFC. The result of these three
games could well shape the remainder of the season.
13/11/99 - Hartlepool United 1 Chester City 0 [top]
There's the record equalled then, seven consecutive
home victories. Last achieved during the run in to promotion at the
end of the season 1990/91. This run though is arguably even more impressive
as Pool haven't conceeded a single goal in all seven victories.
Chris Turner brought back fit again striker Gary Jones for
Kevin Henderson who dropped down to the bench. And Lee Fitzpatrick
started in place of Ian Clark, for what was his last appearance in a
Pool shirt, as his two month loan deal is now up and he will
return to Blackburn to see if he figures in the Ewood Park clubs
future plans. New boy Gary Mason signed on a month's loan from
Manchester City was not included in the squad as he has yet to
train with his new teammates. Pool started the game brightly
as they knew Chester would put men behind the ball and try to
make it difficult for the home team. Chris Westwood put an
early header wide from a right wing Paul Stephenson free kick.
In the 17th minute Miller released Freestone down the right
who crossed low back into the path of Miller. His 15 yard shot
though was block by the legs of Chester keeper Wayne Brown.
In the 19th minute Miller tried his luck from 20 yards out,
but his effort flew over the bar. In the 21st minute Chester's
Matthew Doughty sent a 20 yard shot high and wide over Martin
Hollund's goal. In the 28th minute a driving run from Lee
Fitzpatrick ended with a 20 yard shot straight at Brown. In the
33rd minute Fitzpatrick was denyed by Brown after good work from
Gary Jones on the right wing. In the 35th minute Chester should
have taken the lead. Cross knocked the ball down into the path
of Beckett, but his right foot volley was just pushed round the
post after Hollund got the slightest of touches to the ball. The
corner was quickly cleared, and after a scrappy exchange in the
centre of the field Darren Knowles stabbed the ball through to
man of the moment Tommy Miller who from 20 yards poked
a right foot shot beyond Brown in the visitors goal. Millers
9th of the season and another £50,000 on his value! In the final
minute of the half, Sam Shilton swung in a left wing cross,
Freestone knocked the ball on, Gary Jones chested the ball but could only send his
overhead kick wide with the aid of a slight deflection. HT: Pool 1 Chester 0.
In the second half Pool went looking for the second goal which
would have killed Chester off. Chris Freestone had a 20 yard
effort saved by Brown after more good work from Jones. 5 minutes
later a similar shot from Freestone was again saved but would not
have counted as Jones was adjudged to be in an offside position.
In the 51st minute Gary Jones bad luck in front of goal continued.
Sam Shilton did the hard work in a packed box, and knocked the ball
to Jones, who skipped round the keeper and sent a shot towards
goal, but it hit the underside of the bar and bounced away from
the line. In the 66th minute Tommy Miller shot tamely wide
when his tenth goal of the season looked to be on the cards.
In the 69th minute Spike Lee rose high and got a firm head on
the ball from a Paul Stephenson corner, but Nicky Spooner was
in the right place at the right time and blocked on the line.
On 70 minutes another Stephenson corner was this time met by
Chris Westwood, the keeper saved his shot. Kevin Henderson then
replaced Chris Freestone. In the 81st minute Lee met another
Stephenson corner but the ball hit the keeper before bouncing
back to Gary Jones who had no time to react and the ball ended
back up in Brown's arms. In the 86th minute another effort from
Lee was blocked on the line by Doughty. Chester tried to push
men forward but never looked a real danger to a Pool defence which
is looking very strong at home. FT: Pool 1 Chester 0.
Pool team : Hollund, Knowles, Lee, Barron, Westwood,
Shilton, Stephenson, Miller, Fitzpatrick (Clark), Freestone (Henderson),
Jones. Unused Subs: Provett, Vindheim, Boyd. Bookings: Fitzpatrick.
Attendance: 2266.
As with the Leyton Orient game, teams at the bottom get men
behind the ball and frustrate home teams. Pool though have found
a patience and played well enough to create the one goal that
won the game, and could have possibly had at least two more. When
your defence doesn't look like conceeding, it only takes one goal
to win a game. When Pool are given the space, as they were against
Barnet, they will score goals. When the space is not available
hard work and good finishing will see this impressive home run
continuing for much of the season. There is still one final piece
of the jigsaw to be slotted in though, goals from the strikers.
Hereford next, early estimates are putting the traveling contingent
at a minimum of 600, with 1000 very likely. A draw would be satisfactory,
a win very nice. Another last minute Jonah winner, fantastic.
6/11/99 - Brighton Hove Albion 1 Hartlepool United 0 [top]
Gary Jones failed to recover from the injury picked up in
the 3-0 win over Barnet in midweek. His place was taken by the
fit again Kevin Henderson. Chris Turner made no other changes
to his side. Brighton took the lead in the 6th minute when
Jamie Campbell hit his first goal for the club, heading
in a quickly-taken free-kick by veteran midfielder Warren
Aspinall. Pool lost Kevin Henderson in the 12th minute through
concussion. Craig Midgley took his place. Pool's best chance to
pull level came in the 51st minute when Chris Freestone failed to connect with a
through ball from Sam Shilton. Brighton's Rod Thomas also forced a
good save from Martin Hollund. FT: 1-0.
Pool team : Hollund, Knowles, Lee, Barron, Westwood,
Shilton, Stephenson (Fitzpatrick), Miller, Clark, Freestone, Henderson ((Midgley) Boyd).
Unused Subs: Dibble, Vindheim. Bookings: none. Attendance: 5746.
2/11/99 - Hartlepool United 3 Barnet 0 [top]
Get the record books out, Pool 1999/2000 are in the
promotion mood. It may still be early days, but every fan
dreams of promotion for his/her team. Pool are now in top
gear. Six home wins in a row, without conceeding a single goal.
15 points out of the last 18 available!
Chris Turner kept the same team that beat Millwall in
the cup, as top of the table Barnet rolled into town (late!).
And it was highly rated midfielder Tommy Miller who stole
the show. Miller open the scoring in the 27th minute
has he curled a shot from the right of the penalty area past
Harrison in the visitors goal. Into the second half, and it
took Pool just two minutes to extend their lead. Miller
blasting the ball home from the edge of the area after good
work from Chris Freestone. The third and final goal, and possibly
the best, came in the 85th minute. Tommy Miller swept
past the Barnet defender before firing low and hard past the
helpless Harrison. The score could have been much higher as
Chris Freestone put over the bar from six yards. Gary Jones
twice rounded the keeper, and in total came close on four
seperate occasions. Craig Midgley also missed a good chance.
Barnet did hit the post early on in the match, but could not hold
Pool back as they created wave upon wave of attacking football.
FT: Pool 3 Barnet 0
Pool team : Hollund, Knowles, Lee, Barron, Westwood,
Shilton, Stephenson, Miller (Boyd), Clark (Fitzpatrick), Freestone (Midgley), Jones.
Unused Subs: Dibble, Hughes. Bookings: none. Attendance: 2290.
It's difficult trying not to get too carried away after such
a performance. It's a long time since the Vic has seen such
an attacking display from a Pool team. No team in the league
would have stopped Pool in this form. Barnet came to the Vic
top of the league, and left well and truly beaten.
31/10/99 - Hartlepool United 1 Millwall 0 [top]
And Pool go marching on! Second division Millwall came
to the Vic favorites to win this first round FA Cup match.
Pool had three changes to the team which beat Orient 1-0.
Rune Vindheim, Lee Fitzpatrick and Kevin Henderson all
missed the game through injury. In came Chris Westwood,
Ian Clark and Chris Freestone. In a game dominated by a
strong wind both sides failed to make much progress in
terms of creative football. Chances were few and far between.
Millwall played the ball around quickly and neatly, favouring
trying to catch Pool on the break rather than building their
play from the back. Darren Knowles in the right wing back
position caused Millwall trouble all afternoon. Early in the
game a Knowles cross was nearly met by Lions old boy Paul
Stephenson, but he just missed the ball as he stretched a leg
out. Knowles next charge down the wing was abruptly ended when
Steven Reid took him out of the game with a late challange.
Steven's received the only booking of the game for the foul.
On 34 minutes Millwall produced their first real chance, but
Shaw failed to trouble Martin Hollund in the Pool goal. Three
minutes later Pool had three corners in succession as the home
team started applying some pressure to the Millwall defence.
From the last corner however Millwall broke quickly, Darren Knowles
managed to guide a backpass back to Martin Hollund, but his
clearance was charged down but the ball bounced behind the goal,
much to Hollund's relief. HT: Pool 0 Lions 0.
The second half started as the first finished, dominated by
the strong wind. Pool tried to move up a gear, another Knowles
cross nearly got through to Jones, but the ball was nicked away
by Scott Fitzgerald just as the Pool striker was about to shoot.
Sam Shilton drove the ball back into the danger area but Chris
Freestone failed to connect with a diving header. Millwall's
Neill then outpaced Ian Clark for virtually the whole length of
the pitch, but Micky Barron was on hand to make a last ditched
tackle to keep out Sadlier, as Millwall had a two on one situation. A corner resulted which was well met
by Sadlier who with a clear header put the ball into the Town End.
In the 79th minute Pool were denied as the ball was cleared off
the Millwall goal line. Ian Clark's shot was blocked by Warner
and from the rebound Clark turned and shot again, only for
Neill to stretch out his leg and stop the ball on the line.
Three minutes later a cross by Ifill was met by substitute
Harris, but he could not get a strong enough contact, and the
ball flew wide. Millwall looked happy to settle for a 0-0 draw,
and a reply at the Den. In the final minute of the game Sam Shilton shot
from 25 yards high and wide, but the referee spotted a Millwall
touch and awarded a corner. Clark swung the ball over, and it
was headed away as far as Shilton again. This time Shilton
crossed from the left and Gary Jones got his head to the
ball and placed it into the far corner of the net, past the helpless
Warner. Seconds after the restart the referee blew for full time,
sending the Pool fans wild, and Chris Turner's team into round two.
Pool team : Hollund, Knowles, Lee, Barron, Westwood,
Shilton, Stephenson, Miller, Clark, Freestone, Jones.
Unused Subs: Dibble, Midgley, Boyd, Hughes, Lake.
Bookings: none. Attendance: 2847.
For the second game in a row, the football was hardly classy
stuff. But who cares if Pool keep on winning? Gary Jones has
worked as hard, if not harder than any Pool player this season.
His contribution has so far this season lead to only one goal.
A stat which was surely on his mind everytime he took to the pitch.
This goal, Jonah's third since his move from Notts County, will
hopefully restore some confidence and set him off. The season
Jonah scored 28 for County, he had only 6 by Christmas. Barnet
are next at the Vic. On the back of three defeat's, the league
leaders are there for the taking for super confident Pool.
30/10/99 - FA Cup Round Two Draw made [top]
The winners of the first round Pool v Millwall game
at the Vic have been given a tricky tie away to Hereford
in round two of the competition. Hereford beat York City
1-0 in the first round and will be confident of taking their
second league scalp of the competition.
24/10/99 - Redevelopment Begins / Turner Asks for fans to be Patient [top]
The redevelopment work on the Millhouse side of Victoria
Park began this week. The work will include replacing existing
terracing and crush bars on the lower half on the stand. On the
upper tier access will be altered. Under the stand new toilet
and food buildings are to be built as past of the £600,000 redevelopment.
Pool boss Chris Turner today urged the clubs fans to be patient
with his team. Turner said "We gave what I can only describe as
an inept performance in the first half. But I geed them up at
half time and we went on to win the game and that's all that
matters to me to be honest. Nobody would love it more than me
if we could win every home game by three of four goals, but football's
not like that is it? We have to look at the positive things going
on here, and I sometimes wish our fans would be a bit less
negative about how things are going for me and the players.
What we have to remember is that last season, or even early
on this season, we probably would have lost that game. The fact
is that we've won it is a measure of how much we have improved
in that we've taken all three points from it. At the end of the
day, we got the three points and that's all that counts. I'm sure
the fans won't be happy about the performance but I'm not bothered
about that. I said to the lads afterwards that if we work as hard
as that and are committed then we can make progress in this league
and achieve things. The biggest problem I have here is negativity,
to be honest, and all it does is put pressure on the players. We've
won three out of our last five games and if we can continue to keep
doing that we will do very well this season. I understand it's the
result of years of frustration for the fans here. But just once
in a while I wish the fans could sometimes look at things and say
"Well it mightn't have been the greatest game ever but we've got
another three points". We had to dig in and battle for those
points and if you've got a side that are capable of that sort of
commitment then you're always going to be in with a chance".
23/10/99 - Hartlepool United 1 Leyton Orient 0 [top]
Pool boss Mr Christopher Turner welcomed back first choice
keeper Martin Hollund and replaced misfiring striker Gary Jones
with Chris Freestone as Pool looked to put the defeat at Rotherham
firmly behind them. Captain Michael Barron made his 100th appearance
for the club, here's to a hundred more! No former French international
Amara Simba for Orient, he was 'rested' and Alex Inglethorpe took
his place. Matt Lockwood returned for the O's in place of Simon Webb.
The first real attempt on goal came from Orient's ex Stags striker
Iysden Christie who drove a 20 yard shot well over the bar. Three minutes
later Rune Vindheim did well to stop Christie getting a cross in
after it looked like his pace had taken him away from the Pool defence.
Next chance fell to Kevin Henderson, Chris Freestone chested the
ball down for Henderson, who toe poked it high and wide. In the
21st minute Henderson broke free on the right, but Chris Freestone
failed to get anything on his speedy cross. In the 29th minute
Henderson intercepted a Dean Smith back pass, but O's keeper
Scott Barrett did well to block the shot. From the resulting
corner a powerful Graeme Lee header was well parried by Barrett.
In the 32nd minute a quick break from Orient saw Martin Ling
crash a shot wide of Hollund's right hand post. Vindheim again
did well in the 38th minute as he blocked a Matt Joseph shot.
From the resulting corner the ball fell kindly for Kwame
Ampadu, but he shot well over the bar. HT: Pool 0 Orient 0.
Two minutes into the second half came Pool's best move of
the game so far. Paul Stephenson sent in a good cross from the
right wing, but Kevin Henderson's header lacked the power needed
to trouble Barrett. Two minute's later though Pool took the lead.
A long ball from the back from captain Micky Barron was headed
into the ground by Dean Smith and Kevin Henderson outpaced
the central defensive partnership of Orient then calmly drove
the ball home from the penatly spot as Barrett rushed from his
line. A neat goal from Hendo. Orient then woke up and Pool found
themselves under pressure for the next 10 minutes. A minute
after the goal Christie had a great chance to score, but Hollund
bloked well with his legs. In the 55th minute Christie again
caused Pool problems when he found himself in space from a corner.
But from less than six yards out Christie header high over the
Pool cross bar, an expensive miss. In the 63rd minute Tommy
Taylor replaced Christie with Danny Hockton, a strange decision
at the time, but Christie has just returned from injury. In the
74th minute Orient made their second substitution with David
Morrison replacing Ampadu. In the 79th minute a scramble in
the Orient box almost present Pool with a second goal. Defender
Rune Vindheim found himself in an advanced position and his weak
shot only found it's way to Lee Fitzpatrick. His shot beat Barrett
but rebounded off the post, Sam Shilton then drove the ball into
the far corner of the net, but the linesman ruled the goal out
for a strange offside decision. A minute later Pool made a double
substition, Gary Jones replaced Chris Freestone and Ian Clark
replaced Lee Fitzpatrick. Orient made their third and final sub
as Ahmet Brkovic replaced Martin Ling. Pool with the final whistle
in sight started to raise their game. In the 81st minute Smith
cleared as Miller looked to shoot. Paul Stephenson's resulting corner
was headed over by Ian Clark. Gary Jones then played a superb
ball through to Kevin Henderson, but with the keeper rushing
out Hendo could only find the side netting. A minute later the
referee incensed the home crowd. Kevin Henderson looked to have
a clear run on goal, but Stuart Hicks pushed him over. Mr
Furnandiz though, was having none of it! In the 88th minute
the hard working Darren Knowles was released by Ian Clark and
surged forward forty yards, his run though was matched all the way
by Smith who blocked Knowles shot. Paul Stephenson was then replaced
by Chris Westwood as Turner looked happy to settle for a 1-0 win.
Ian Clark appeared to be felled by Matt Joseph in the area, but
the penatly appeals were turned down. Two minutes into injury
time Gary Jones was pulled back for offside when he looked clear.
The ref blow the whistle, and the home fans were happy. FT: Pool 1
Orient 0.
Pool team: Hollund, Knowles, Vindheim, Barron, Lee, Shilton,
Fitzpatrick (Clark), Stephenson (Westwood), Miller, Henderson, Freestone (Jones).
Unused subs: Tennebo and Dibble. Attendance: 2397. Bookings: None!
Not a pretty game of football, but another three points for
Pool. That's 12 points from 15 available in October, a very
good return. Although many fans would have been glad to see Gary
Jones on the bench, up front Pool look lightweight. Kevin Henderson
has now become number one striker at the club with some impressive
display's. However today he found himself having to do more of the
hard work as Freestone needs the ball to feet, whilst Jones can
match Henderson worked rate. Chris Turner has yet to find the
best partnership upfront. If Gary Jones can find his scoring boots
it will be him and Henderson. If not, come in Craig Midgley, your
time has come.
19/10/99 - Rotherham 3 Hartlepool United 0 [top]
Pool came back down to earth with a bump as the
impressive Millers ran out comfortable winners in the
battle of the third divisions form teams. Chris Turner
recalled Andy Dibble from Carlisle and he replaced the
injured Martin Hollund. No other changes were made by
the Pool boss apart from on the bench, were Chris Westwood returned, replacing
Richard Forster. Pool never recovered after conceding three
goals in the first half hour at Millmoor. Darren Garner
scored on 7 minutes and then again on 14 minutes as Rotherham
got off to a dream start. The game was put out of Pool's reach
in the 30th minute Trevor Berry unleashed a powerful curling
shot past Andy Dibble. Gary Jones missed two great chances for
Hartlepool just before the break. Chris Turner tried to change
things around at half time, with Ian Clark replacing Lee
Fitzpatrick and Chris Freestone coming on for Gary Jones. Pool
though could not find a way back. FT: Rotherham 3 Pool 0.
Pool team: Dibble, Knowles, Vindheim, Barron, Lee, Shilton,
Fitzpatrick (Clark), Stephenson, Miller, Henderson, Jones (Freestone).
Unused subs: Westwood, Downey and Tennebo.
16/10/99 - Pool to face the Lions [top]
The first round of the FA Cup was drawn live on Sky TV
tonight and ball number 21 was Matttched with Second division
Millwall. The game will be played on Sunday 30th October (KO 12 o'clock)
and is a chance for in form Pool to pull off a mini giant
killing. Last season Pool beat Carlisle at home in the first
round and went on to lose 4-2 at Fulham in the second round.
Pool must fancy their chances with home advantage.
16/10/99 - Mansfield Town 2 Hartlepool United 3 [top]
For the third game in a row Pool boss Chris Turner
had the luxury of naming an unchanged team. And for a third
game in a row Pool collected all three points. Mansfield were
without the divisions top scorer Lee Peacock who is rumoured
to be the target of a £600,000 bid from Bristol City. On the
Pool bench youngster Richard Forster came in for Chris Westwood.
In only the second minute of the game Pool almost grabbed the lead
Tommy Miller broke swiftly and splited the Mansfield defence with
a pass through to Kevin Henderson. However the former Burnley
man was adjudged to be in an offside position when the ball
was played. In the fifth minute Martin Hollund did well to collect
a Michael Boulding shot at the second attempt. In the 12th minute
Pool tested on loan keeper Carl Muggleton for the first time as
Henderson back headed a Stephenson free kick towards goal,
Muggleton collected easily. In the 14th minute Pool took the
lead. Lee Fitzpatrick released Kevin Henderson inside the box
and his low cross was turned in by Sam Shilton for his
second goal for Pool. The Stags responded quickly and levelled
the game in the 20th minute. Williams swung in a right wing
cross which Tony Lormor met and thumped into the net
giving Hollund little chance. In the 28th minute Miller setup Henderson
who's 18 yard shot whistled past the post. At the other end Clarke
fired wide in the 39th minute. As half time approached Pool
nearly regained the lead. A Paul Stephenson free kick was headed
across goal by Kevin Henderson and as the ball dropped for Shilton
with his back to goal, Blake just nipped in to clear. HT: Mansfield 1 Hartlepool 1.
In the 51st minute Pool did regain the lead. From a Mansfield
corner Paul Stephenson picked the ball up, exchanged
passes with Lee Fitzpatrick before breaking forward to the edge
of the home box and striking a low 20 yard shot which Muggleton
appeared to have covered. Strangely though he grabbed the ball
as it bounced in front of him and then somehow threw it behind
himself into the net. What is it with Stepho and strange goals?
In the 58th minute Pool forced their first corner of the game.
A clever flick through by Henderson sent Shilton racing through
on goal, as he rounded Muggleton the keeper brought him down
and the referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot.
Tommy Miller stepped up and cooly and confidently
drove the ball into the left hand corner of the net past
Muggleton. In the 62nd minute Mansfield should have pulled
a goal back. Williams crossed from the right and Clarke
could only steer his header wide from 15 yards, even though
he was unmarked. In the 64th minute a superb break from Miller
saw him release Gary Jones who in turn found Lee Fitzpatrick
but his 12 yard shot was well blocked by Muggleton. Three minutes
later Henderson's intelligent knock down fell perfectly into the
path of Miller who crashed a right foot volley inches past
Muggleton's right hand post. Mansfield pulled a goal back out
of the blue in the 79th minute. Bobby Hassell picked the
ball up 25 yards out and unleashed a superb curling effort which
beat the despairing dive of Martin Hollund in the Pool goal.
As Mansfield threw everything they had at Pool in the closing
stages Chris Turner sent on Chris Freestone and Ian Clark
for Lee Fitzpatrick and Kevin Henderson. Two minutes later Neil
Richardson was booked for bringing down the pacy Freestone.
Pool held on to their lead for 4 minutes of injury time and
collected another three points. FT: Mansfield 2 Hartlepool 3.
Pool team: Hollund, Knowles, Lee, Barron, Vindheim, Shilton,
Fitzpatrick (Clark), Miller, Stephenson, Jones,
Henderson (Freestone). Subs not used: Downey, Tennebo, Forster. Bookings:
Lee, Barron. Attendance: 2612.
Three wins on the trot for Pool and the season is now most
definately underway. After a shaky start Pool are now building
in confidence and beginning to believe in their own ability.
All this and the strikers aren't even scoring yet! Answers on
a postcard if any of the following have proved decisive in Pool's
mini run..... 1) Three games since Mark McGhee left us. 2)
Lee Fitzpatrick, Sam Shilton and Kevin Henderson have started
all three games. 3) Chris Freestone hasn't started any of them!
Away to Rotherham on Tuesday night. Howay the lads.
Oct - Dec 99
