By Eggy_Poolie
March 4 2007

Hartlepool went 5 points clear after beating Hereford 3-2 and extending the unbeaten run to 19 games. The game was won by an E Williams super strike after Ben Clarke and Brown scored for Pools

It was certainly a game of two halves at the Vic as Hartlepool managed to overcome Hereford in a thrilling 3-2 game. Hartlepool let the lead slip twice before a stunning goal by E Williams eventually brought all the 3 points to the Vic. An afternoon which was made much sweeter by Darlington drawing with Walsall to increase our lead at the top to 5 points

The first half our of the game was completely dead as Hereford seemed happy just to keep Pools out. Pools created a few half chances: Nelson came close with a volley and Brown missed a close range header.

It took half an hour for the deadlock to be eventually broke when Ben Clarke sneaked in at the back post to head home from a Ritchie Humphreys corner.

After the restart Pools looked to double the lead and almost did when James Brown fired a shot towards the near post from the edge of the area but it was well saved by the Hereford keeper who played well all afternoon

The first half finished 0-0 and with Pools in complete controll. Hereford didnt have one shot on goal in the first half so few would have guessed what was going to happen next. Danny Wilson also made a change at half time as he brought off Micky Barron and put on Darren Williams.

Almost straight from the kick off Hereford scored. A long ball forward was chanced down by Danny Thomas. There was bit of controvesy in the goal - from the Town End I couldnt see if Thomas pushed Williams or whether he fell over, anybody in the Mill House stand see? Anyway he ran through and lobbed the ball over Dimi to level the scores.

Hartlepool took just 6 minutes to respond, a goal mouth scramble was eventually converted by someone and James Brown seemed to be the last to touch the ball for Pools so it is rightfully his goal but once again Hereford came back at us.

Hereford won a free kick which was swung into the box and despite Guinan looking in an offside position he volleyed the ball into the goal from close range to level the scores. It is probably the first time at home this season we have conceded two goal due to defensive mistakes.

E Williams finally won the game for Pools with what was a remarkable goal. It was a goal that was worthy of winning a goal. I dont know if anyone read the thread on the messageboard but that goal was an example of what I was on about.

He controlled a high ball before bringing it down and smashing it into the back of the net off the post. It was a magnificent strike and definatly a contender for goal of the season.

Hereford did go looking for another equaliser but the defense remained solid for the rest of the game and in the end it finished 3-2.

I dont normally do this but it must be said. That referee yesterday was the worst I have seen for a few seasons. Between him and his assistants they were lucky if they 10% of decisions right and even then the ref would give one thing and the assistant would give another. This isnt me looking for excuses for the close game as I'm sure any Hereford fans reading this will agree that he shocking.