COOL-HEADED Adam Boyd revealed a dose of derby nerves affected Mark Tinkler at Feethams, writes Nick Loughlin.

Boyd slotted home a 48th minute penalty in front of 2,000 Hartlepool United fans to pull his team level.

And Boyd admitted Mark Tinkler opted out of the chance to take the spot kick - awarded after a needless push by Matt Clarke on Eifion Williams.

In the absence of Gordon Watson, Pool have been awarded only one penalty recently and Darrell Clarke took the chance to score his first of the season against Cambridge on December 28.

"Tinks bottled it,'' quipped Hartlepool-born Boyd.

"Last week in training we had a penalty competition, about five or six of us wanted it. Tinks said he wanted them now, but when it came down to it he didn't want it.

"I've taken them for the reserves this season. Last week I missed an open goal against Swansea, so this makes up for it.''

Boyd was denied the opportunity to take a second spot kick when Matt Clarke handled his effort on the line.

"I asked the referee and he said it was handball, but he said it was ball to hand instead of hand to ball - what can you do about it?

"Maddison pushed one off the line with his hand as well.''

Boyd added: "I know what it means to the supporters. I've stood there with them supporting Pools at Feethams a few times in the past. It means a lot to me to score at Darlington.''

Pool's second goal came from a Darrell Clarke header and Mike Newell said: "That was a great goal. Tinks picked him out with a great ball and it was a great run and header from Clarky.

"I thought Clarky was probably our best player in the second half. It was a good comeback from us because we were a bit off the pace at the start.

"The disappointing thing for me was the two goals we conceded - they were identical really. One ball in, one header.

"I expected them to come at us from the start, but I would have expected our lads to come out and start the game better.

"Darlington put a good shift in during the first half. They closed us down and wouldn't let us have the ball. But I knew the longer the game went on I knew the harder it would be for them to keep it up.

"The first goal was perfect timing for us, it got us straight back in the game. Then we got well on top and the keeper saved the game for them in the end.''

Newell joined in the chorus of disapproval at referee Mike Ryan's handling of the game and admitted: "I didn't see the handball incident, but all the lads were convinced and they are normally right. The one decision which concerned me was the one in the corner where Micky Barron was booked. He was grabbed by the throat and booked for it!"

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