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Joy for Joel as Pools fight back again

Joel Porter
By Clarence Rode October 3 2008
Joel Porter's hat trick gave Hartlepool a point in their second 3-3 draw in succession at Victoria Park. They might even have won the game in added time, but it's important to remember the awful start they made to the game as well as the spectacular end, Porter levelling in the last minute and Gary Liddle shooting inches wide in added time.

Simon Cox had given Swindon a 3-0 lead with a hat trick of his own,l having a field day as he was allowed to run from deep with the ball at his feet and finish from the edge of the area each time.
The question has to be asked - who was to blame for allowing him to get so far? The runs started in midfield, where he should have been stopped, but defenders backed off as well as Cox ran them ragged.
Boland headerIf the injured Willie Boland (left) had been in the team, there's every chance Cox might have scored his first, but he'd have got a kick or two before being allowed to do it again.
The sooner Boland is fit again the better. In his absence, the Pools midfield might look good at times, but it's too nice at other times, and also gives the balla way too much. Too many passes went astray during the first 50 minutes, when Swindon were well on top, and too many opposing players had the freedom of the park.
But at least Pools showed some character to come back from 3-0 down after doing the same when they were 2-0 down against Oldham.

Arran Lee-Barrett - like a lot of keepers at this level, he can make great saves and drop right clangers.
Jamie McCunnie - exposed too often.
Michael Nelson and Sam Collins - exposed by Cox at times, but at least they kept at it.
Richie Humphreys - sometimes his passing is too bad for words.
Gary Liddle and Richie Jones - possibly too much alike, they have ability, but don't dominate (kick) their opponents enough.
Andy Monkhouse - gets stuck in and always worth his place.
James Brown - haa gone a bit quiet after his bright start to the season, but always a handful.
Joel Porter - if anybody deserved a hat trick, he did. He's having a great season so far, and his third goal was a cracker.
Kevin Kyle - put himself about, needs a few more games to settle in, but could be useful.

For most of the game, Pools looked as if they are going to struggle to finish mid-table. For the last half-hour they looked good enough to achieve something.
Consistency is still elusive for the team and for many individual players.

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