For the next two weeks Vital Hartlepool will be running an exclusive review of last season, and we will be reliving the great moments, the not so great moments, and the headliners.
We will review every month in depth, looking back on every game and also revisiting the stories that caught attention back then
After three very poor months, March was vital, and in today’s episode we bring you the month that saw Pools edge ever closer to the drop-zone after the recent calamities.
February was another month where Pools failed to pick up enough points, and saw Pools enter the relegation dig fight, with the final third of the season starting. March was to put in one word ‘Vital’
March:
The month started with the club crowded in a dark dark cloud with the news that Hartlepool United were taking legal action against Billingham Town. Following intense media speculation, the club released this statement regarding the issue. Many fans voiced their anger at the club, but let me say this; No matter what business it is, if you are owed money, surely, and you have every right to regain the money owed to you.
Pools Demolish Shrimpers:
Hartlepool United 3-0 Southend United
The pre match discussion was heated with the BTFC topic, but the game it self was littered with an ‘Irish master class’. Pools played host to Steve Tilson’s Southend and ran out 3-0 winners, plunging the Shrimpers into the bottom four for the first time, and they never moved out of those places.
Adam Boyd had a dipping strike tipped over, whilst at the other end Sean Scannell saw a great effort saved by Flinders. Pools then took the lead through Roy O’Donovan, receiving a great ball from Boyd. The Irish man calmly smashed the ball past the keeper to open the scoring.
In a great game, Pools continued to press inspired by the strike pairing. O’Donovan broke past the offside trap, advanced onto goal and added his second and Pools’ second, after yet another intelligent ball from Boydy.
Francis had a good chance to halve the deficit but the game trickled out into a bore, and the terraces were soon drying up with the result all but rubber stamped. But their was to be one more roll of the dice, O’Donovan clinching his hat-trick with a brilliant shot that fell into the low corner. Irish magic, as Pools hit seven goals in two home games.
Man of the Match: Roy O’Donovan
Pools Trounced By Yeovil, Held By Tranmere:
Yeovil 4-0 Hartlepool United
If you wonder why most League One players never make it further than the Championship, then the Yeovil game – a week after the Southend rout is a perfect example why – no concentration, no consistency.
Pools had a bad start, Peter Hartley handling the ball from a throw-in. The resulting penalty kick was slotted away by Gavin Tomlin. On loan Bristol City midfielder Gavin Williams took full advantage of a free kick, and directed the Glovers on their way to an easy victory.
The travelling Pools fans were treated to trash, and their money was wasted once more. Sam Collins heaped yet more pain on the side, turning the ball into his own net. Dean Bowdwitch added a fourth, as Pools crumbled rapidly.
The result wasn’t added too, but it was a major major disappointment, and Chris Turner revealed afterwards that he was severely ‘let down’
Man of the Match: Joe Gamble
Tranmere Rovers 0-0 Hartlepool United
This match was labelled a ‘must win’ game, but at the end of ninety minutes their wasn’t many Poolies who were moaning, a point more than many expected.
The opening 45 minutes saw little activity, neither side testing the opposition keeper. Pools came out for the second half with a bit more fire in their belly, James Brown registering a header on target. The match dripped back into a bore, but O’Donovan was played clean through, but unfortunately couldn’t finish the shot.
Marvin Sordell nearly nodded in a 88th minute winner, but the home fans were kept on their seats. A goal mouth scramble nearly went the way of Pools, but it was a point added to the tally.
Man of the Match: Sam Collins
Austin Can’t Stop Saints, Swindon Ease To Narrow Win:
Southampton 3-2 Hartlepool United
Hartlepool United travelled to the other end of the country on a Tuesday night to play a Southampton side who banging in goals for fun.
It was Pools who had the early fun though, breaking the deadlock through Andy Monkhouse, after finishing an O’Donovan squared ball. But yet again Pools switched off, and conceded. Jason Puncheon had a header bounced off the bar, but Pools went out of the woods, as Lee Barnard followed up.
Both teams tried to grab the game by the scruff of its neck, Pools battling hard and creating chances. Rickie Lambert cracked a free kick off the woodwork, but soon capitalized on a Ben Clark mistake, making it 2-1 to the hosts. A stupid goal to give away before half time, but Pools had put up a fight.
Puncheon nearly put the game beyond doubt, but Neil Austin surged back and rescued the ball, clearing all danger off the line. Papa Waigo N’Diaye then did make it 3-1 minutes later, sinking Pools into further trouble.
But Austin wasn’t finished, letting fly of a 35 yard beauty, that exquisitely flew into the top corner, giving Pools the required confidence to push on for a leveller. The 200 strong Pools crowd was vocal all night, but despite pressing, Pools couldn’t find another route past Kelvin Davis
Man of the Match: Neil Austin
Hartlepool United 0-1 Swindon Town
After the hard working display against the Saints, Pools fans had hoped to expect a similar display against Danny Wilson’s Swindon, but Pools fans have learnt not to expect too much.
It was a poor start by Pools, Andy Monkhouse forced off after colliding with photographer Frank Reid. After just 15 minutes prolific Charlie Austin earned the ball after good footwork. He twisted the ball, and fired past Ben Clark, Scott Flinders couldn’t do much, and the Robins went one up.
Pools were dreadful, but Antony Sweeney saw a header rebound off the bar, a goal may of sparked the life into Pools they needed desperately. The rest of the match was played out with the ball stuck in the middle, but Swindon actually managing to keep the ball. James Brown nearly grabbed a leveller in the last minute, but it would of been rather harsh on Swindon, but it did add to Pools’ growing list of unlucky incidents.
Man of the Match: Ritchie Humphreys
Monthly Review Comment:
Another disappointing month, where Pools failed to register a win in the last four games. Four points was the monthly total once more, and despite the worry league table, the passion and performances weren’t upped a level. In fact they down graded. Very worrying times indeed.
Game of the Month: Southampton 3-2 Hartlepool United
Goal of the Month: Neil Austin’s smashing strike that thundered into the Southampton net, sadly it was only a consolation.
Player of the Month: Neil Austin
League Table as of 27/03/09
Pos Team Pld W D L GD Pts
18 ExeterCity 38 9 13 16 -13 40
19 Oldham Ath 36 10 10 16 -13 40
20 Hartlepool 38 10 9 19 -13 39
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21 Tranmere R 37 10 8 19 -28 38
22 Southend U 38 9 10 19 -14 37
On Thursday we will be covering the month of April, were it was quite simply; ‘do, or die’. Make sure you don’t miss out.
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