Reserves Squander Chance To Extend Unbeaten Run

Hartlepool United Reserves v Rotherham United Reserves
Report from Bedford Terrace, Billingham

Hartlepool Reserves fell to a disappointing defeat to Rotherham United’s second string, in a game that saw little enjoyment.

Armann Bjornsson partnered Billy Greulich up-front, and the latter put himself about very well all night, and will of done his stake for another crack at the first team, no harm at all.

The Millers took the lead early on when Stephen Brogan chipped the oncoming Mark Cook, and the ball landed in the back of the net.

However Pools fought back, Leon McSweeney won a corner and the resulting set-piece fell to the awaiting Johnny Rowell who delightfully struck a sweet volley with his right boot. It was a cracking goal, and the midfielder made it look so easy.

The game was pretty dire, and it was more fun watching the lights flicker on and off, in the nearby flats at times. Then the visitors retook the lead as Pools defence were red faced after more slack defending.

Pools were desperate though to make amends after the break and Ben Clark did just that with a looping header at the far post. One good point to of come out of the game was that Clark lasted a full 90 minutes on his return from injury.

Antony Sweeney had a hatful of chances to put Pools in front, and made sure his frustration known whenever his shot proved unsuccessful.

Jacob Webster then restored Rotherham’s lead by finishing at the near post, after he was given far too much time in the penalty area.

Pools looked for the equaliser and Jon-Andre Fredriksen went on a brilliant solo run, but his shot from an awkward angle whizzed across the face of goal. David Foley was bright when he came on too, and he had a wicked shot from the edge of the D, that went just over the bar.

Hartlepool knew they weren’t going to find an equaliser, and there luck told when Broughton ran through on goal. Cook and the striker both slipped, but the much-travelled attacker, got the batter of Cook and the ball trickled its way into goal. It was to be the last remaining chance as the second string slipped to only there first defeat of the season.

FT: Hartlepool Reserves 2 Rotherham Reserves 4

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Pools: Cook, Power, Purvis, Rowell (Foley 60), Clark, Haslam, McSweeney, Sweeney (Sharples 80), Bjornsson, Greulich, Fredriksen.
Subs not used: Tymon, Mason, Thomas.

Rotherham: Annerson, Lynch, Green, Darley, Haggerty, Webster, Liddell, J Taylor, Broughton, R Taylor (Banks 60), Brogan.
Subs not used: Cladwin, Helmsley, Snee, Hancock.