Goals:
1-0: Kerry (4, defensive carnage as Pools failed to clear and midfielder was in space to fire in low)
2-0: Muldoon (49, drove in powerfully from the edge of the area after Featherstone twice lost possession in the space of seconds)
2-1: Kabamba (57, knocked in at the second attempt at the far post)
3-1: Beck (68, comfortable header as he climbed above the defence to meet an inviting cross from the left)
Booked: Beck (85, foul)
Referee: Marc Edwards (Durham): No-one in the ground knew what the penalty was awarded for, but replays showed he was correct in going against Pools and Magnay 7
Attendance: 2,000
Entertainment: 1/5
HARROGATE TOWN (4-4-2): Belshaw 6; Fallowfield 7, Howe 6, Burrell 6, Kitching 6; Thomson 8, Emmett 8 (Knowles 81), Falkingham 7, Kerry 7; Beck 8 (Williams 90), Muldoon 7 (Woods 79). Subs (not used): Leesley, Cracknell, Williams.
HARTLEPOOL UNITED (4-4-2):
6 Loach: Penalty save was a great low stop which kept Pools in the game and he was under pressure all afternoon from all angles;
4 Richardson: Poor clearance gifted possession in the build up to the third goal and, with confidence shot, he was beaten easily when the ball was put over
6 Raynes: Hasn’t played this season and it showed from the start, but grew into the game and showed his leadership qualities when he was handed the armband – Pools’ third skipper of the day
2 Magnay: A terrible opening and he was put out of his misery at half-time. Playing through a knee problem and it showed
5 Kitching: Reverted to left back after the manager spoke of him playing in an advanced role. Was often on the back foot, but created Pools goal;
5 James: Started wide right, but moved into a crowded central role as Pools switched to a midfield diamond, and didn’t get much joy in either role
2 Featherstone: An inexplicable pass put the home side on the attack and then after winning the ball back he lost it meekly before the ball was thumped home. Rightly hooked soon afterwards
5 Donaldson: Tried to provide some drive in midfield, but just like in the reverse game in August, Pools were second best in that area
6 Molyneux: Looks like a lively wideman, showed some quality in possession but didn't see enough of the ball;
7 Kabamba: Willing and honest, always trying to work and chase – keep that up and he will be welcomed by the crowd
5 Cassidy: Drifted wide at times looking for the ball and was disciplined in what he did with limited service
Subs:
Anderson (for Magnay 46): Tried to get close to targetman Beck, but was nowhere when the ball came over for his goal 5
Kioso (for Featherstone 58): New position as a holding midfield and his athleticism got him through at times 5
Hawkes (for James 63): Pitched into his ideal role, but didn’t get much success behind the front two 5
(not used): Muir, Amos.
MAN OF THE MATCH Mark Beck – always an option up front for the home side and always a problem to deal with.
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