By Alex O'Loughlin
December 21 2009

The Glovers travelled to snow ridden Hartlepool in a typical winter game hoping to come back to Somerset with all three points.

The opening minutes of the match were very much dominated by both sides trying to adapt to the frozen pitch and freezing conditions with neither side being able to play attractive football.

However, Yeovil began the brightest of the two sides with most of the possession in the first 15 minutes. 

Despite Yeovil starting the better side, it was Hartlepool who had the first shot on goal when midfielder Ritchie Humphreys shot over the bar after some good link up play with Adam Boyd.

Yeovil were struggling defending down the left hand side of the pitch but it was from there that they launched there first meaningful attack when the pacey Nathan Smith broke down the left only to by synically felled. 

The next chance went the Glovers way also with Sam Williams shooting goal wards after some good work from Craig Alcock and Ryan Mason down the right wing. 

However, Williams did not rue on his missed chance and soon after put Yeovil one up. Craig Alcock crossed in a powerful ball which Gavin Tomlin expertly laid off to Williams who lashed in a fierce drive from the edge of the box. 0-1.

Moments later Yeovil nearly doubled their lead but Tomlin could only find the 'keeper with his effort.

Hartlepool's main source of attack came from swift counter attacks which caused the Yeovil defence. However, no real chances were created with a claim for hand ball by Nathan Smith being all the 'Pools achieved.  

The final ten minutes of the first half belonged to Hartlepool but the Glovers defence stood strong and took their one-nil lead into half time.

Half Time: Hartlepool 0-1 Yeovil Town

The second half began quickly with Shaun MacDonald watching his shot be saved well by 'keeper Flinders.

Soon after Adam Boyd fired a shot towards the Glovers goal which forced a great save from Alex McCarthy who is in great form of late.

With Yeovil struggling to retain possession with just one up front, Gavin Tomlin was replaced by Jon Obika  reverting to a simple 4-4-2 formation.

Minutes later Andy Monkhouse had a chance which McCarthy saved well but the Hartlepool player went in late on the Glovers 'keeper which probably deserved a red card but the honest McCarthy got up without injury which probably saved the 'Pools player from an early shower.  

Despite reverting to a 4-4-2 Yeovil could not  contain Hartlepool and the equaliser soon came when Leon McSweeney broke down the right flank to whip in a low cross across the Yeovil six yard box which Andy Monkhouse- lucky to be on the pitch- put into the Yeovil goal to draw thing level again. 1-1.

As the snow began to fall once more so did the quality of the game with the game becoming a far more scrappier affair.

Scott Murray replaced the tiring Ryan Mason after scoring twice for the reserves in mid week.

With five minutes remaining Hartlepool goal scored missed a glorious chance to take all three points when he headed over from close range shortly after being denied by McCarthy.

Late chances fell Yeovil's way with Dean Bowditch and Scott Murray both having shots saved earning the Glovers their first corner of the match in the 92nd minute. 

However the game finished 1-1 which in the conditions was probably a fair result. But manager Terry Skiverton will be disappointed that Yeovil for the third game running could not hold on to a lead.