Hartlepool United had to settle for a draw against Ebbsfleet United.Hartlepool United had to settle for a draw against Ebbsfleet United.
Hartlepool United had to settle for a draw against Ebbsfleet United.

Hartlepool United 2-2 Ebbsfleet United player ratings photo gallery: 'His best game' - Two 8s the standout as Pools struggle to draw

Hartlepool United were pegged back twice by Ebbsfleet United as they were forced to settle for a draw at the Suit Direct Stadium.

Emmanuel Dieseruvwe scored his 12th goal of the season to give Hartlepool the lead only for Billy Clifford to quickly level the scores three minutes later with a smart finish from the edge of the area.

John Askey’s side were looking for an uplift in both performance and result following a two week break, but were fortunate to go in on terms at half-time with goalkeeper Joel Dixon called upon a number of times to keep the away side at bay.

Pools remained sluggish in the second half but almost snatched three points when Jake Hastie gave Askey’s side what seemed a priceless lead in the 90th minute after coming on as a substitute.

But Ebbsfleet quickly levelled once more when Dominic Samuel converted from close range deep into stoppage time as the points were shared.

And here's how Pools rated: