Pools enjoy a trip to the seaside!

Match report: AFC Bournemouth V Pools

A great battling performance from Mick Wadsworth’s hard-working side brought 3 points for a Pools team that are defying the logic in a division full of big-budget clubs. With a beauty from James Brown and a bit of luck in keeping 10 men on the pitch, this will go down as one of the best results of the season.

Now I would like to start this report a little different from the usual. I have been watching Pools since the mid-80’s and in that time I have been fortunate enough to see some very talented players pull on the blue & white stripes. Rob McKinnon will remain my favourite player and a very talented full-back, who proved his class in the Scottish Premier, which at the time was a much better standard of football. Brian Honour was a tiresome performer, who revelled in being up against big reputations. Tommy Miller frustrated for a few seasons, before finally showing the fans his ability on a more consistent basis. Adam Boyd proved in 1 season why his ability is deserving of a much bigger stage, unfortunately he has not quite got the package quite right and continues to let himself down by not applying himself as well as he could. There have been many others including Michael Brown, Paul Dalton and an aging Peter Beardsley in the twilight if his career. Then we have James Brown. He puts himself across very well and displays a level of professionalism that will hopefully reap its rewards, but his level of ability is stunning. If it had not been for injuries he would be playing in big games for a club worthy of his talents. From the moment the game kicked off he had that look in his eye and you knew he was going to something special. He wasn’t just the best player on the pitch but also, as many travelling Poolies also said, better than anyone in the division this season. He created space when there wasn’t any and the Bournemouth defence simply didn’t know how to deal with him.

After an even opening period, when Jake Kean had to be alert on a couple of occasions, Pools started to take control. James Brown gave the home team a warning of what was to come when a he created space only to see his shot brush the top of the bar on its way into the temporary stand behind. Soon after he got it just right and curled a great shot into the back of the net, with goalkeeper Jon Stewart unable to do anything about it other than pick the ball out of the net.

The 127 Poolies had not long finished celebrating when Jake Kean reacted foolishly to a poor Harry Arter challenge and was very lucky to stay on the pitch. Much to the annoyance of the now quite hostile home support, the referee decided that it was only worthy of a yellow, with Arter receiving equal punishment for his troubles. These events did not endear Kean to the home fans, who continually baited him for the rest of the game.

Pools continued to soak up pressure and make the occasional break leading up to half-time, which ensured they went into the dressing room a goal to the good.

Half Time- AFC Bournemouth 0-1 Pools

Bournemouth manager showed his concerns at his team’s performance by making a half-time substitution, with Taylor replacing Bignall. Pools continued to restrict the number of chances the Cherries could create and they defended like it was a cup final, being first to very ball and showing a great resilient attitude that quietened the previously noisy home support and had Poolies dreaming of a great 3 points.
James Brown was taken off on 64 minutes to be replaced by the slightly less talented, but equally popular Richie Humphreys. Richie held the ball up well on his own and ensured that a little bit of calm was maintained in order to hold onto the lead. Jake Kean continued the theme of the day with several impressive saves in the 2nd half and a very assured performance.

Gamble replaced Murray and towards the end, giant striker Bjornsson came on for Leon McSweeney. As the final whistle sounded a huge celebration erupted amongst the fans and players, joined by Hartlepools own version of Chris Hughton, Mick Wadsworth. The performance had been excellent, with every player giving 110% as well as proving that they have the ability to achieve a good position with a bit of tactical organisation. The scenes proved how much they are bonding as a team and the fight to the death attitude that they are developing. It was a great day to be a Poolie and it’s exciting to going to games once again.

Full Time- AFC Bournemouth 0-1 Pools

Man of the Match
This is very difficult as any of the players could easily take the award. Jake Kean was superb in goal, Sam Collins marshalled his defence brilliantly and Liddle showed his class on several occasions. However the glory must go to James Brown, who left the jubilant Poolies feeling very good for the long journey home.

Report by : Homer