HARTLEPOOL United’s potency in front of goal was a talking point once again after their 1-1 draw with Stevenage at the weekend.

Pools earned themselves a point at the Suit Direct Stadium but fell behind in the second half when Gary Liddle brought down Jamie Reid inside the box. Luke Norris stepped up to convert the penalty kick.

Nicky Featherstone showed no lack of composure in front of goal and fired Pools level with a scorching effort from the edge of the box that flew into the top left corner for his fourth goal of the season. The point lifts them up to 16th in the League Two table and 11 points above the relegation zone.

Pools remain one of the league’s lowest scorers with finishing once again being a bone of contention. Prior to Saturday’s game, they hadn’t scored in their last three league games.

Manager Graeme Lee is well aware of the problems which are trying to be corrected with the help of the January transfer window.

Lee told BBC Radio Tees Sport: “We’re creating the opportunities and getting in them areas which is fantastic. It’s just that final bit.

“Sometimes it’s a panic, sometimes it’s a snatch. We’re just lacking that composure.

“I see it in training that they have got it and they can do it. It’s just having that bit when it counts on the matchday in front of the crowd. With the pressures, can they still do it?

“That’s what we’ve got to work on that with the lads.

“We want to add in them areas, we know that. We spoke about that and hopefully we can do that.”

Chairman Raj Singh pleaded for patience from the fans in the club’s programme notes with recruitment staff hard at work to bring new players in before next week’s deadline.

Singh revealed that conversations have been held with Manchester United and Arsenal over loaning Under-23 players to the club.

So far, Pools have signed striker Marcus Carver from Southport and defender Jake Hull on loan from Rotherham United.