2:25pm Saturday 7th April 2007
By Nick Loughlin
HARTLEPOOL United's 23-game undefeated run was ended with a loss at Barnet.
Pools hadn't lost a League Two game since November 4, when Barnet were 1-0 victors at Victoria Park.
Since then, Pools have gone top of the table after collecting 61 points from a possible 69.
They remain top, their lead now two points after Walsall won at Torquay.
Pools went behind on four minutes, Adam Birchill tapping in from inside the six yard area.
James Brown was denied a penalty after he was tripped inside the area, but Pools eventually levelled when Eifion Williams motored into the area and finished from close range.
But the lead lasted only minutes, as Jason Puncheon - who played under Pools boss Danny Wilson at MK Dons - cracked in a left foot shot from the edge of the area.
Pools now meet Accrington at Victoria Park on Monday when promotion could be as good as assured with a win for Wilson's side and a defeat for MK Dons.
HARTLEPOOL UNITED: Dimi Konstantopoulos, Ali Gibb, Micky Nelson, Gary Liddle, Ritchie Humphreys, James Brown, Willie Boland, Lee Bullock, Andy Monkhouse, Richie Barker, Eifion Williams.
Subs: Mark Tinkler, Joel Porter, Craig Hignett, Jim Provett, Darren Williams.
BARNET: Lee Harrison, Nicky Bailey, Simon King, Liam Hatch, Dean Sinclair, Ismail Yakubu, Paul Warhurst, Joe Devera, Jason Puncheon, Barry Cogan, Adam Birchall.
Subs: Ross Flitney, Guiliano Grazioli, Richard Graham, Nicky Nicolau, Oliver Allen.
REFEREE: Kevin Stroud (Bournemouth)
© Copyright 2001-2012 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk