HARTLEPOOL UNITED F.C. SOUTH EAST POOLIES

Match report: Bournemouth V Pools

It was a glorious day on the south coast of England as Pools arrived looking to extend a winning streak and an unbeaten start to the season... However, a slow starting Pools let Bournemouth have alot of possession and alot of chances on goal... However, Pools defense remained solid and managed to deal with most of the danger, Pools had a few chances in the first half with Antony Sweeney having the best chance but he managed to put the ball over the goal and into Row Z.

With the pools defense staying strong and working well, Bournemouth's only chance at goal was going to be from distance and after 35 minutes that is exactly what happened, Colin Nish lost possession and the ball fell to David Gregory who was left too much space and from 25 yards launched a blistering shot to the right corner which left Scott Flinders with no chance.

With all the possession Bournemouth had you felt a goal was coming... However, after the goal Pools seemed to have an extra string in their step and after Sweeney was fouled, Solano stepped up to roll back the years and score a delightful free kick from 25 yards to make it all level at half time

Half time: Bournemouth 1 - 1 Hartlepool

The second half was alot better from Pools and were definitely the better side in what proved to be an entertaining half of football, end to end stuff throughout. Both teams had chances with Pools's Colin Nish nearly scoring just to see his effort go wide...

The introduction of James Poole, Andy Monkhouse and Evan Horwood bought more attacking options into play, although Andy Monkhouse was pretty close to getting sent off for a foul on the far side of the pitch which none of us saw, but the boo's, chants of "You dirty northern bastards" from the bournemouth fans and a group of players huddling around the ref did make us think something must have happened....

With chances missed by both teams it was all set up for a late winner... Que Evan Horwood... A wonderful ball back into the box by James Poole was cleared out to Evan Horwood who lashed home a thunderous half volley off the crossbar and post into the back of the net to send the 172 pools fans into a frenzy!!!

Full Time: Bournemouth 1 - 2 Hartlepool

Final Thoughts: I read on the BBC website that Mick Wadsworth has told his players they have to work harder while they're doing well... Pools definately had to work for the win here and we're definately the better side overall i feel... 2 wonderful goals and 3 points... A job very well done....

My Man of the Match: Hard to call! The entire back 4 were brilliant today, whilst Scott Flinders was very comfortable and made some good saves... So open for debate!

Ben Forbes