Hartlepool Defeat Terrible Tigers

Last updated : 26 August 2002 By Andy Beill
Goalscorers Eifion Williams and Gordon Watson
Goalscorers Eifion Williams and Gordon Watson
The home side went ahead just after the half hour mark. Ben Petty allowed Gordon Watson to cross from the Pools' left-hand-side, and Eifion Williams stole in unmarked. Matt Glennon was able to parry the shot, but Williams tapped in the rebound from close range.

Gary Alexander had City's only real chance of the match shortly after half time. Substitute Lawrie Dudfield crossed in low from the left, but Alexander was unable to pick out a spot and scuffed the ball wide.

Hartlepool got the second goal they had been threatening for so long just after the hour. Clarke met Smith's cross, and after Glennon made a one-handed save Gordon Watson struck to make it 2-0.

Watson nearly scored again in the dying minutes with a well-executed chip which landed on the top of the bar with Glennon well beaten.

The final whistle was a relief to hear, and 2-0 flattered Jan Molby's toothless Tigers.

City line-up (4-3-3): Glennon; Petty, Whittle, Anderson, Regan; Green, Ashbee, Keates; Johnson (Bradshaw 54), Alexander (Williams 70), Dudfield.
Un-used subs: Musselwhite, Greaves, Morrison.