Goals:

0-1: Hardcastle (46, struck at goal from distance and Killip had it covered, but pushed it into the net)

1-1: Holohan (55, took a pass from Featherstone in his stride, took a touch and cracked in low from 25 yards)

1-2: Angus (68, broke away as Kerr was caught out and clipped home from 10 yards)

2-2: Donaldson (76, Holohan drove into the area, clipped a deep cross to the far post where the captain headed back across goal and in)

Bookings: Richardson (33, foul); Kioso (72, foul); Quigley (74, unsporting behaviour); Brown (83, foul)

Referee: Joe Hull (Cheshire): On occasions he had control of the game, on many others he didn’t 5

Attendance: 3,790

Entertainment: 4/5

HARTLEPOOL UNITED (3-5-2):

4 Killip: Should have kept out the opening goal – a shot into his hands from distance and has to cut out the costly slip-ups because he’s making too many over the course of the season;

7 Kioso: Played with his usual enthusiasm and energy and playing as one of three centre-halves didn’t stop his attacking instincts. A majestic late tackle in the area preserved a point

6 Liddle: Middle man in the back three and his reading of the game and calmness throughout was evident

4 Kerr: Recalled to the side and, in the main was steady enough, but caught out with a routine ball over the top for the second goal;

6 Richardson: A solid enough return to the starting XI as he offered some solidity on the flank at wing-back

7 Shelton: After successive impressive home games, he can count himself unfortunate to have been dropped on Boxing Day. Brings an energy to the midfield

7 Featherstone: Has the complete faith of the new manager in midfield and again always wanted the ball and started plenty of attacks

8 HOLOHAN: Bright on the ball, full of running, scored one and created one. A complete midfield performance on his return

7 Donaldson: Has had his critics lately, and he has been too quiet at times, but playing left-wing back made a difference to his game and scored the leveller;

5 Toure: Always tried and looked to create something, when he dropped to the left side especially, but suffered a frustrating afternoon

6 Kabamba: Energetic and lively through the middle, he kept the strong visiting back three on their toes

Subs:

Kitching (for Richardson 83)

Hamilton (for Kabamba 86)

(not used): Raynes, Hawkes, Mafuta.

BARROW (3-4-1-2): Dixon 6; Brough 7 (Dyson 70, 5), Hird 7, Platt 6; Barry 7, White 7, Rooney 6; Brown 7; Hardcastle 6; Quigley 7 (Harrison 74), Angus 6 (Hindle 81). Subs (not used): Greaves, Taylor.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Gavan Holohan. Back in the side and here to stay on this all action performance