By Eggy_Poolie
April 21 2007

Hartlepool had to settle for a draw against Notts County despite taking an early lead. Pools were reduced to 10 men after Clark was sent off. The main talking point of the game will be the 3 officials who were shocking all game and stopped any chance of football being played

Hartlepool United made the dream start to the game with James Brown skillfully scoring in the first 5 minutes of the game last night but County equalised on half time through Parkinson.

The first 15 minutes of the game were dominated by Pools and within the opening minutes Pools had chances through Gary Liddle, E Williams and then a succession of the 3 corners resulted in James Brown finding the net. Hartlepool kept up the chances and Barker had the ball in the net only for it to be ruled out for offside by an eager linesman (many others would say useless).

Notts County then found their way of stopping the Pools onslaught and started to become very physical and stopped Pools playing football. It seemed to work for them as they started to attack the Pools goal. County had a chance ruled out for offside and then moments later they found their equaliser through Parkinson in the 47th minute

Half Time
Pools 1-1 County

The second half was very frustrating for Pools. The game consisted of long balls upto Barker and Williams but with little support off the midfield coming forward County found it very easy to clear their lines. The half was made more frustrating thanks to a particularly bad linesman running down the Cyril Knowles Stand. He didnt seem to understand that offside is given when the ball is played.

Hartlepool did create some chances Monkhouse had a shot from distance, Gary Liddle had a shot/cross blocked and Barker had a header comfortably saved.

Then the moment which could have changed the game. Ben Clark bundled down Dudfield and the ref awarded a penalty and Clark was shown red. No complaints from any of the players or fans -he was last man and ironically the only decision the ref probably got right all night and one of our players were sent off.

McCann stepped up to take the penalty but it was superble saved by Dimi down to his bottom left. County looked to make the most of their advantage but with Liddle dropping to centre-back Pools defense stayed strong despite a few scares

There were more chances for both teams as Pools were not willing to sit back and hold on for a draw and County who kept pushing Pools. Porter came on for Pools with 13 minutes to go in a hope of boosting Pools attack but with no real fluency to the game Pools struggled to break down the defense

In the 87th minute County were reduced to 10 after Hunt was sent off for a second yellow. The red card gave Pools a boost but nothing came from any possession and the game ended up finishing 1-1

Full Time
Pools 1-1 County

I have to name and shame M Pike (referee), A Haines (Tweedle Dee) and P Simpson (Tweedle Dum) for their role in last nights game. They were probably the worst officials I have ever seen at the Vic. I hope they donate the money they got paid for the game to charity as they dont deserve getting paid after the crap the three of them displayed last night

Pools now have it all to do as the title race is now guarenteed to go down to the last day. Walsall take on Bury today and victory for them will move them top on goal difference. Lets hope Scotty will do us a favour