‘Outstanding’ effort thrills Pools boss

A back-to-basics approach can pay dividends for Hartlepool United – that’s the view of boss Craig Harrison.

Pools showed battle, bottle and character to come from a goal and a man down to draw 2-2 at Gateshead in theNationalLeaguePremier Division yesterday, answeringmanyoftheircriticsafter recent showings.

And Harrison believes that if Pools apply this kind of attitude and application every week, they’ll win more than they lose – and in doing so can get themselves right back in the fifth tier play-off mix.

“It was back to basics from us,” he said. “The effort we put in was outstanding. Hard work, the competitiveness, the aggression – it was all there. And people have questioned whether we had that after recent weeks.

“We wanted to win, of course, but, given the circumstances, it was a good result. It’s just a shame we couldn’t get a late win.

“We have asked questions of the players with the run we have been on.

“We have given games away from winning positions too many times recently – this time they impressed and stood up. They worked hard tactically and did what we asked.”

Liam Donnelly’s penalty had Pools ahead on 17 minutes, but the dismissal of Blair Adams for two bookings, on 41 minutes, proved costly. Scott Barrow equalised four minutes later, then put Heed in front on 51 minutes, only for Michael Woods to equalise 19 minutes from time.