Jones - 2 goals

By Charlie Summerbell
February 24 2010

Typical Hartlepool United – their top scorer is out suspended, so they hit four goals for the first time this season. But none of the goals came from strikers, as midfield players Richie Jones, who got two, Joe Gamble and Antony Sweeney shared the honours in what turned out to be an easier win over Carlisle than might have been expected.

Chris Turner was rightly pleased with his players after a desperately-needed three points, but it wasn’t perfect.
Pools got an early lead through the outstanding Jones, but Carlisle came back quickly and either side of their equalizer they looked the better side as Pools struggled to get hold of the ball.
But Pools settled down, conquered their nerves and Carlisle keeper Adam Collin had a nightmare to contribute to the home win – when was the last time Pools scored two goals from corners in a match?

Sweeney (right) converted one from Gamble for the lead and another Gamble corner appeared to go straight in, though Sam Collins might claim he got a touch.
Jones’s second in the second half put the lid on it for Pools – the victory was far more important than how it was achieved, but there were some good points for Pools.

New lad Roy O’Donovan, signed on loan from Sunderland, has loads of pace and was behind Jones’s second, while Adam Boyd’s form deserved more, Gamble controlled long spells, Neil Austin looked impressive and James Brown made a late subs appearance to continue his rehabilitation from injury.
Now Pools need to take their form on the road, with a trip to Millwall looming on Saturday and Turner says that the Carlisle win was reward for some good performances which have earned the team little or nothing in recent weeks.

It was one of those nights when things ran in Pools’ favour, but they are still too close to the relegation zone for comfort – only three points ahead of fourth bottom Oldham – and results like Brighton’s win at Charlton show that there’s no scope to relax for any of the team in the danger area.