HESS’S MEN END THEIR DROUGHT TO CLAIM POINT

FOUR games without a goal, but Eastleigh boss Andy Hessenthaler was never concerned; and so it proved as they secured a point at Hartlepool United.

Paul McCallum’s 71stminute header ended a run of 483 minutes without a goal for the Spitfires and dented Pools’ hopes of breaking into the top three this week.

Hessenthaler admitted: “It’s a few games without a goal and I wasn’t concerned about that. We created chances today, from early on we had a great chance and their keeper made a fine save – I’ve been more concerned with the goals we have conceded.

“When we got Macca to the club, I said get balls in the box and he will score and he’s proved that today. I’m pleased for Macca – for me he will get 20 goals this year if we get balls in the box.’’

Nine minutes in and Scott Loach made a fine save to deny the Spitfires an opener. Oliver Dennett got in to meet a lovely cross from Oscar Gobern and the keeper got down low to push it out.

A five-man back line from the visitors was strengthened by three central midfielders tucking in making it a defensive eight.

Pools were having to be patient as they controlled possession without breaking through – but that changed in minutes.

Liam Noble burst on to the ball and his firm strike was brilliantly kept out by keeper Graham Stack, who stuck an arm out to deny the five-goal midfielder. A minute later, Pools went ahead. Ryan Donaldson crossed from the right and picked out Niko Muir inside the six-yard box who tapped in. Seconds into the second half and Loach fumbled a curling free-kick from Mark Yeates. When the corner came in, Dennett was in space and picked his spot only for Loach to fling his body in the way of the ball. The Spitfires showed more intent in the second half as they tried to get at Pools, with the game opening up more. And they levelled on 71 minutes. Joe Jones ran ahead in possession, was halted on the edge of the area. But Josh Hare got the ball wide, and his cross was hung up for McCallum to head inside the far post to delight the 15 travelling fans. Pools, with only one defeat this season, responded positively, with Stack making a fingertip save to deny Noble – the captain could have had a hat-trick. Manager Matthew Bates said: “I felt we were unlucky not to win. First half, I keep saying it, we should have had them dead and buried. I was disappointed second half as we never really got going – until they equalised. “We had chances, Liam could have had a few. The shots were a good height for the keeper.’’

STAR MAN: Ryan Donaldson (Hartlepool) ATT: 3,302 ENTERTAINMENT: ★★★★★ REFEREE: Leigh Doughty 7/10