CIDER-HEADS ARE DRY AS POOLS LOOK SWEET!!!

This was an outstanding TEAM performance where the scoreline actually reflected the course of the game.

 
Playing against a strong wind in the first half and defending the "luxurious" away end - happily Yeovil very kindly put us in the seats - Pools suffered very few anxious moments, although Scott Flinders did raise a few blood pressures with a couple of dodgy clearances early on. Pools went close early in the game with an Evan Horwood free kick followed soon after by a header from Antony Sweeney. Pools settled very quickly into an impressive passing game with everybody looking comfortable on the ball, and pressed forward at every opportunity to support Adam Boyd, playing as a loan striker, but well supported by James Brown and Andy Monkhouse. Boyd had a very impressive first half along with Paul Murray ( again ) and Evan Horwood, although Mick Wadsworth might want to remind him that he needs to be more alert defensively, as more tactically aware teams will look to exploit the gap he leaves when going forward.
 
It was no real surprise when Pools took the lead with a Gary Liddle header from an Evan Horwood corner after half an hour, as first Boyd had a shot cleared off the line and then Murray had a shot beaten away only minutes earlier. Pools continued to look solid at the back with Steve Haslam having a quietly effective game at right back and in the period leading up to half time restricted Yeovil to the occasional half chance, but never really looked like conceding.
 
The second half was delayed while the groundstaff carried out repairs on the penalty area which had been occupied for long periods by Boyd and "friends", and when it did begin it was pretty much a repeat of the first half, although Yeovil did have more midfield possession mainly because Boyd was not supported quite as much or as quickly as in the first half, and they were able to pick up the majority of the loose balls. Scott Flinders made an early save before we started to control the game again. Joe Gamble shot just over after 48 minutes before Andy Monkhouse doubled the lead with a great strike from 25 yards. Flinders made another good save after 57 minutes before there was a rash of substitutions by both sides, and the added distraction of two balls on the pitch, obviously a cunning plan by Yeovil to reduce the deficit by confusing our defence !
 
Peter Hartley came on for Adam Boyd after 70 minutes and nearly added a third ten minutes later after a very strong run which ended with the ball being scrambled away. Yeovil had a couple of half chances in the last few minutes but the defence stayed strong as we made it four unbeaten in a very satisfactory start to the season. I felt that we dropped too deep at times in the second half and allowed Yeovil too much space and possession but we never looked in any real danger, and kept our shape and rhythm with all the substitutes playing their part. If we can keep everybody fit then I'm hopeful we can enjoy a better season than last, the team certainly looks better although it is only early days.

 
SOUTH EAST POOLIES MAN OF THE MATCH :
Steve Haslam - Good all-round defensive display, nothing fancy, just very effective.
 

Report by : Flicko - South East Poolies