HARTLEPOOL UNITED turned in a strong display to make manager Matthew Bates proud to earn a replay against League One Gillingham in the FA Cup first round tie.

Pools, stuttering in the top half of the National League of late, held the Gills to a goalless draw and captain Liam Noble wasted the best chance to put his side into the second round when he shot straight at goalkeeper Tomas Holy from 12 yards.

Holy also produced an excellent reaction save to keep out Ryan Donaldson’s volley after 53 minutes and was equal to Nicky Featherstone’s speculative attempt from 25 yards.

Defender Carl Magnay dragged a low shot off-target late on after patient build-up play from the visitors.

Steve Lovell’s Gillingham, who sit 40 places about their opponents, struggled to break down a dogged Hartlepool defence throughout.

Their best chance came 15 seconds after the break but Brandon Hanlan’s low attempt flew inches past the post.

Leading scorer Tom Eaves headed wide from Luke O’Neill’s cross after 13 minutes and Hanlan’s darting run into the box ended before he could get his shot away.

Max Ehmer gave Hartlepool goalkeeper Scott Loach an easy save with a header on the hour before Myles Anderson bravely blocked Mark Byrne’s powerful drive from close range.

Young Middlesbrough striker Tyrone O’Neill made his Hartlepool debut after signing on loan on Friday.

He impressed Bates with his approach and will compete for a starting spot next week in the league against Barnet. The 19-year-old came off the bench for the last 20 minutes of Hartlepool’s FA Cup test.

“He did well, he brought a robustness,” Bates said. “He will not give the opposition any time on the ball but he is also very good on the ball. He comes into contention for next week. We now have four strikers who are all competing for places in the team.”

The replay will take place at the Super 6 Stadium on Wednesday, November 21.

POOLS: Loach; Richardson, Anderson, Magnay, Kitching; Donaldson, Noble, Featherstone, McLaughlin; Dinanga (Muir 77), James (O’Neill 71). Subs (not used): Hawkes, Catterick, Woods, Newton.