MATTY’S FINISH OH SO SPECIAL
PLYMOUTH fans’ 772-mile round trip to Hartlepool was worth it just to see Matty Kennedy’s sublime strike.
Trailing with time running out, and on the back of a surprise home defeat to Leyton Orient in midweek, Kennedy gave the green army something to savour when he cut inside from the left wing and curled an unstoppable 25-yard shot high into the net to send the 426 Pilgrims wild.
Boss Derek Adams said: “We played really well early in the game and could have been 3-0 up.
“We should have taken some of those chances, and then they get a goal against the run of play and the match changes.
“In the end, we’ve had to show very good resilience to get back into the match. Over the 90 minutes, we were the dominant team.’’
The Pilgrims had the best of the early play, as they pushed a young and inexperienced home defence back. A free-kick curled into the near post was met by Ryan Taylor, but keeper Joe Fryer, on loan from Middlesbrough, saved well.
Then, when Jake Jervis got past Sean Kavanagh, he did well to stand firm and save at his near post.
Pools’ first opening came when Nathan Thomas, a former Pilgrim, crashed a shot over from 20 yards.
But Thomas was instrumental as Pools took the lead.
He took possession on the right side of the area and, when his low shot was spilled by Luke McCormick, Rhys Oates was well-placed to smash high into the net from close-range.
Pools have been woeful at home this season, but they were deservedly applauded off at the break following a bright and inventive opening half.
And their intensity levels never wavered from the restart.
They were perhaps fortunate to escape when Scott Harrison handled in the area, but referee Andy Haines was oblivious to it.
Taylor and Jimmy Spencer combined well and the latter’s shot was blocked by Scott Harrison.
But, a minute after wasting a chance when he fired over, Kennedy made no mistake.
He cut inside from the right flank and curled a beauty into the far corner past Fryer.
But Pools needed Walker, outstanding in an unfamiliar defensive role, to block a goalbound Taylor effort in the closing stages.
“We were into the game from the word go,” said Pools boss Dave Jones.
“They were smarting from their midweek result as we were.
“We got stronger as the game went along and we were unfortunate not to win it in the end.
“I couldn’t fault any of them. I thought every player stepped up to the plate, and the fans responded to that. “We just got done with letting the lad cut inside for the goal, but that’s nit-picking. I could moan about that, but I won’t.’’