HARTLEPOOL UNITED (4-3-3):
7 Bartlett: Did everything asked of him – he’s had busier games, but was always in command in and around his penalty area;
8 Halliday: Assured defensively and confident on the front foot. Two games, two very impressive performances
7 Harrison: Looked more settled and comfortable, more akin to the player of last season and when he gets on the ball it’s a sign of his belief returning
6 Boyce: Won his headers, put challenges in and did the simple things well to compliment Harrison’s work
6 Carroll: Solid and always tried to help Pools get forward with some strong overlapping runs from left back;
7 Bates: Another adept and composed display in the middle of midfield, breaking up play and allowing the others to roam
5 Featherstone: Didn’t get involved too much in a congested midfield, Pools need to see more of him on the ball to keep them ticking over, but in a free role he can't do that as much
5 Woods: Like Featherstone is capable of opening up defences, but it was hard against a packed and organised defensive unit;
6 Paynter: Dropped deep for possession throughout, but his best work is done in and around the opposition area where he keeps defenders on their toes
5 Bingham: Got in good positions, but his finishing was either loose or blocked. Needs a goal to get him away
7 Oates: Bright, lively and direct on the right side of the front three. Saw plenty of the ball and ran himself in the ground – looked exhausted at the end.
Subs:
Fenwick (for Bingham 67): Will be frustrated at only getting 23 minutes in a game when Pools needed someone to convert the openings 5
Walker (for Woods 80)
(not used): Worley, Oyenuga, Jones, Smith, Denton (gk).
CAMBRIDGE UNITED (5-3-1-1): Dunn 7; Omozusi 6, Legge 5, Roberts 6, Taft 6 (Coulson 46, 6), Demetriou 6; Newton 5, Berry 6, Dunk 6 (Chiedozie 72); Blyth 5, Simpson 6 (Hughes 56, 6). Subs (not used): Taylor, Slew, Beasant (gk), Morrissey.
MAN OF THE MATCH
Bradley Halliday – with Duckworth and Magnay both missing, his arrival has ensured two very good players haven’t been missed
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