First Point On The Board For John Hughes At Pools

John Hughes picked up his first point as Hartlepool United manager with a 1-1 draw at Walsall.
Report
Manager John Hughes made just two changes, both forced, as out-of-form Hartlepool traveled to the equally out-of-form Walsall.

Pools went into the game without a win in 18 matches with the hosts not having won in their previous 14 outings.

It was the home side in charge of the opening stages but Pools were given a golden chance to take the lead when Steve Howard was brought down in the area.

Full back Evan Horwood slotted home the resultant spot kick.

Pools made it to the half time interval ahead but the scores were level within minutes of the restart when Dean Holden slotted home from close range.

The visitors, often prone to early second half collapses, made immediate changes with Ryan Noble replacing Paul Murray and Hughes switching to a 4-4-2 formation.

But Pools remained under the cosh for the rest of the half and the home side really should have grabbed a winner when Football Manager-favourite Febien Brandy broke free of the defence.

However, Brandy fired his effort woefully wide and Pools were able to hold on for a point, but are now winless in 1 games.

FT: Walsall 1 Hartlepool 1