Hartlepool United 0-0 Leyton Orient RECAP: Bore draw at the Suit Direct Stadium as Pools show signs of EFL Trophy semi-final hangover
After a sluggish first half Pools improved slightly after the break and should have taken the lead through Omar Bogle 10 minutes after the restart but the striker fired straight into the thankful arms of Lawrence Vigouroux.
It would prove to be the best chance of the game as Graeme Lee’s side struggled to reach the heights of their performance in midweek during their EFL Trophy semi-final.
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Hide AdThe key talking point before the game was the news that Luke Molyneux was on the bench with Newcastle United loanee Joe White returning to the starting line-up.
White was the only change from the side who started against Rotherham United in midweek as Pools prepared for a run of three games in six days.
But it was a slow start from the home side who appeared fatigued following the endeavours, emotionally and physically, from midweek.
Harry Smith came close to latching onto Ruel Sotirou’s cross before Sotirou fired off target following Neill Byrne’s missed clearance.
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Hide AdPools had to wait until well after the half hour mark to have an effort on goal as White worked a ball well with Joe Grey before curling off target.
It was a more positive start to the second half from Lee’s side but they did have Byrne to thank for keeping the scores level when he cleared from the line to deny Smith after a bouncing ball wasn’t cleared.
And then it was Pools who almost took the lead through Bogle.
Mark Shelton hassled the O’s midfield and was able to come away with a loose ball and nudge it into Bogle’s path inside the area but he sidefooted straight into Vigouroux’s arms.
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Hide AdMolyneux was brought on just after the hour and added a little spark but neither side really threatened to make a breakthrough.
Paul Smyth forced Killip into a good save with his feet as it ended all square at the Suit Direct Stadium.
Pools return to action on Tuesday against Bradford City before heading to Newport County on Friday evening.
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Hartlepool United 0-0 Leyton Orient RECAP: Pools labour to bore draw with Leyton Orient.
Key Events
- Hartlepool United XI: Killip, Sterry, Byrne, Odusina, Ferguson, Featherstone ©, Crawford, Shelton, White, Grey, Bogle
- Subs: Bilokapic, Liddle, Ogle, Holohan, Fletcher, Molyneux, Carver
- Leyton Orient XI: Vigouroux, Wood, Thompson, Smyth, Smith, Archibald, Beckles, Sotirou, Kyprianou, Coleman, Ray
- Subs: Sargent, Nouble, Khan, Drinan, Young, Ogie, Obiero
The visitors are the ones seeing more of the ball in the opening stages as the look to utilise the height and power of Smith up front.
HERE COME THE TEAMS
The two teams are out at the Suit Direct Stadium and we’re just minutes away from kick-off
It's the big news from Graeme Lee's starting XI to face Leyton Orient 👇
Luke Molyneux on the bench for Hartlepool United as they host Leyton Orient
Luke Molyneux starts on the bench for Hartlepool United against Leyton Orient.
BIG NEWS
The big news from the Suit Direct Stadium is that Luke Molyneux drops to the bench for the visit of Leyton Orient.
Molyneux has been in fine form for Pools and recently celebrated his 100th appearance for the club in the win over Harrogate Town.
The 23-year-old was on the scoresheet in midweek against Rotherham United before missing his penalty in the EFL Trophy semi-final shootout.
And Graeme Lee has made the decision to drop Molyneux to the bench in favour of Newcastle United loanee Joe White.
Pools’ game with the O’s is their first of three in six days which may have factored into the decision by the Pools boss who are looking for a sixth win in eight games this afternoon.
Reaction
Our Hartlepool United reporter Joe Ramage shares his views on the Pools starting XI.
“There can be no denying it is a surprise to see Luke Molyneux on the bench for Graeme Lee’s side.
“Molyneux has been in fine form for Pools recently and was so again in midweek, despite missing a crucially penalty in the shootout against Rotherham United.
“The 23-year-old has played a lot of football recently under Lee and with his place on the bench it suggests there is nothing untoward with the decision as far as any injury goes.
“Nevertheless, it could be seen as a risk from Lee against a Leyton Orient side without a win since early December.
“Joe White comes in for Molyneux with Joe Grey passed fit to start either side of Omar Bogle.
“It’s a strong bench for Lee with Molyneux, Isaac Fletcher, Marcus Carver and Gavan Holohan and it will be interesting to see if Lee’s utilises it more this afternoon than against Rotherham in Wednesday’s semi-final.”