HOW we rated Hartlepool's performance in the 1-1 draw with Leyton Orient.
Goals:
0-1: McAnuff (22, picked out in the middle and low shot spun low into the net via a Featherstone deflection)
1-1: Kabamba (45, popped up in the area to slide home after Noble and James kept it alive in the area)
Bookings: Molyneux (38, foul); Widdowson (68, foul); McAnuff (76, foul); Donaldson (90, foul)
Referee: Martin Woods (Lancashire): A lot of questions marks over his display – none more so than how many times Kioso was pulled down in the area at set-pieces 5
Attendance: 3,297
Entertainment: 4/5
HARTLEPOOL UNITED (3-1-4-2):
7 Loach: Made two impressive second half saves to keep Pools level when they were under pressure;
7 Kioso: Committed and combative, it’s strange to think the previous manager clearly didn’t see what he can bring to the back line
7 Raynes: An assured and mature presence. Leads and organises the defensive line and that’s what Pools have been missing for too long
8 Anderson: His best display for Pools – won his headers and attacked the opposition. Lost a couple of teeth for his troubles later on;
7 Featherstone: Positive in possession and tried to get Pools going forward. Another who has improved his outlook with the change of manager;
7 Donaldson: While going forward he’s a threat out wide, his defensive work should not be forgotten as he made some important clearing headers in the area when it mattered
8 Hawkes: Will be a mainstay of Hignett’s side and his willingness to run at the opposition and create openings is a real positive
6 Molyneux: One first half break on the counter raised the excitement levels, but his game was ended with a cut knee
7 Amos: Looks a far better player with some games under his belt now and he uses the ball smartly on the left side;
7 Kabamaba: Three goals in three games and he gave another honest display, showing attacking characteristics Pools have missed last season and this
8 James: His work to earn Pools a penalty was impressive, and typical of his tenacious outlook. Ran and chased all day.
Subs:
Noble (for Molyneux 44): At times looked a bit rusty and he was chasing the game at times, but he won’t hide when it’s not going right 6
Cunningham (for Anderson 87)
(not used): Kitching, Hawkins, Muir.
LEYTON ORIENT (4-4-2): Brill 7; Judd 7, Turley 6, Happe 7, Widdowson 7; Brophy 6, Lee 7 (Lawless 81), Clay 7, McAnuff 7; Harrold 6 (Alabi 68, 5), Bonne 6. Subs (not used): Sargeant, Sotiriou, Ogie.
MAN OF THE MATCH: Myles Anderson. The centre-half hasn’t looked as solid and stout as he did on Saturday, when he took some heavy blows in a combative display.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here