New Boss, Same Old Result For Hopeless Hartlepool

John Hughes’s arrival as Hartlepool United boss failed to have an effect on the pitch as Pools were hammered at home by relegation rivals Coventry.
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John Hughes made a trio of changes for the game as Ryan Noble, Ritchie Humphreys and Darren Holden came into the side for Jordan Richards, Simon Walton and the suspended Steve Howard.

It was a positive start for the home side but, as has been the story so far this season, Pools were unable to take their chances in front of goal.

Coventry came back into the game as the half progressed and, after going into the break with the scores level, made their chances count in the second half.

Carl Baker put the visitors ahead within 5 minutes of the restart with a goal from nothing, striking from outside the area to give the Sky Blues the lead.

A Peter Hartley handball in the box gave the away side an ideal chance to double their lead and David McGoldrick fired the spot kick past Scott Flinders to make the score 2-0.

Hartlepool’s collapse continued as Baker grabbed his second of the game moments later with a quality effort before Franck Moussa added a fourth.

Coventry boss Mark Robins brought substitute Adam Barton on with 15 minutes of the game remaining and he had an instant impact as he smashed home a fifth just 60 seconds later.

A losing start for John Hughes in a season that now looks beyond hope, Pools lie 9 points from safety and even 7 behind nearest rivals Bury. Fellow strugglers Oldham visit Victoria Park on Tuesday night.

FT: Hartlepool 0 Coventry 5