Matty Robson

By Clarence Rode
December 14 2008

Hit by injury, illness and suspension, Hartlepool United did well to fight back after a poor start and earn a point from a 1-1 draw at Hereford. They needed an own goal to get back into the game, but had enough chances to earn the victory that would have done their League One standing a lot more good than a draw does. But a point is better than nothing and manager Danny Wilson was satisfied.

That, of course, will incur the wrath of the moaners who will claim that a point at a place like Hereford is no great achievement, but with Richie Jones and Arran Lee-Barrett suspended, Joel Porter joining Willie Boland on the injured list and several players suffering from either the after-effects or the first signs of the flu bug hitting Pools at present, it's not bad.
And there were two bonuses for Pools - Jan Budtz did well in goal with some good saves in the first half when Pools just didn't get going, while Jonny Rowell impressed on his League debut in midfield.
Lee-Barrett could struggle to regain his place in golal, and after replacing Jones and keeping out Andy Monkhouse, Rowell deserves more chances in the team.
On the face of it a draw at puny Hereford is not great shakes, and a win would have been very welcome, but avoiding defeat was important and P:ools need to build on their second half performance.
The remainder of the season looks like being a battle to stay in mid-table, especially if the injury situation doesn't clear up and wilson's is prevented from going into the January tranfer market by the club's shortage of cash.
But they badly need a win at present after six League One games without a victory - getting it against Southend at the Vic on Friday night would be a great Christmas present.