Adam B - pen

By Charlie Summerbell
August 12 2010

If Adam Boyd and James Brown could turn back their individual clocks to their best form and put the niggling injuries which are preventing them from operating anywhere near peak form this season, Hartlepool United would have few worries over the 2010-11 season.

Brown (right) and Boyd both scored as Pools dumped a disappointing Sheffield united out of the Carling Cup, a result that earns them a home second round tie against Premiership Wigan - and hopefully a much bigger crowd after a mere 2,520 saw the latest giant-killing at the Vic.
The fans can't be blamed for staying away because prospects for the season have looked bleak, but if Pools are going to play like this regularly this season, the stands will soon be packed.
Withg Antony Sweeney looking the best player on the pitch as he turned his clock back a season or two, the win can be described as a giant-killing because of the relative sizes of the two clubs, their football status and their fan base.
But over the 90 minutes, the best team won.
After watching Brown score early on and Boyd slot in a second-half penalty, Chris Turner told the Northern Echo:  "We played very well and looked comfortable. Effort and energy and organisation was good against a Championship side.
"Our boys were better to be honest and deserved the win - it wasn't really a shock looking at the game.
"The first goal gave us a lift, and Adam's penalty sealed it.
"Strikers needs goals and Adam got one from the spot, they all count. He did well in possession and when the game opened up he created things for us. "We've got a good tie to come with Wigan at home in the next round, a Premier League side who like to play football and it will be an interesting tie for us.''
It would be good if Pools could carry on from where they left off in this game on Saturday when Danny Wilson brings his Swindon team to the Vic.
If they can win that, perhaps those who were not too confident about the new season will change their minds.