HARTLEPOOL UNITED F.C. SOUTH EAST POOLIES

Match report: Charlton Athletic V Pools

The sun was shining, the birds were singing, the delivery vans were belching out dangerous amounts of engine fumes as Charlton hosted Pools in the last game of the season. There was only pride to play for as both teams were guaranteed Div 1 football for another year so boosted by that knowledge - and several pints of sometimes unrecognisable beer - we descended on The Valley for a feast of attacking football. Some 90 hazy minutes later we realised that we had been present at the ONLY game in the Fooball League that hadn't produced a goal !
 
My recollection of the game is a bit patchy but I do remember that the home side were marginally better in the first half as we huffed and puffed but rarely threatened their goal. Scott Flinders, trying to keep his concentration in front of the massed ranks of the oompah loopahs, several Santa Claus and many other wierdly attired individuals, wasn't much busier than his opposite number. The nearest either side came to scoring was when Peter Hartley had a rare lapse of concentration and allowed Wright-Philips in on goal. His shot beat Scotty but came back off the bar, much to everyones relief.
 
Mention of "the bar" brings me to an astonishing lack of organisation on the part of Charlton. Feeling a little thirsty after singing continuously thoughout the first 45 minutes a fair proportion of the 500 plus poolie fans went in search of some half time refreshment, only to be told that there was no beer and only wine available. As some children might read this article I won't repeat some of the phrases used, and fortunately after a short delay extra supplies were delivered, avoiding a potentially ugly scene. It could be argued that some people on the scene was already pretty ugly but all was well in the end.
 
Half time : Charlton 0 Pools 0
 
The second half opened at a fairly sedate pace as both teams looked as though the dubious delights of some dodgy Mediterranean resort had more appeal than running around in the sun for another 45 minutes. Roared on by those fans still awake after a long journey - and visits to several hostelries - Pools posed more of a threat as the game wore on. We could have snatched victory when Sam Collins turned on a dustbin lid and crashed a shot against the bar, waking the remainder of the Pools fans behind the goal. The game fizzled out after this although Charlton did look dangerous on a couple of occasions, but when the final whistle went you could sense the relief not only on the pitch but also the terraces.
 
Full time : Charlton 0 Pools 0
 
Overall it was a competent display but once again it highlighted our urgent need for someone who is going to put the ball in the net at least 20 times a season. Defensively and in midfield we have looked solid most of the time although the lack of strength in depth, particularly at the back, has given us problems at times. A revamp of the squad is needed in the close season to address these issues and hopefully money will be found.
 
Man of the match : Peter Hartley
 
Comment :
On behalf of all the South East Poolies I would like to thank all of you who have made us feel very welcome mainly on the road but also at the two home games we have attended. We look forward to seeing you all again next season.
 

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