Hartlepool United 3-3 Walsall: Pools rescue unlikely draw in John Askey's first game in charge

Jennings headed in a 90th minute equaliser after Hartlepool had twice found themselves trailing by two goals in the game.

Tom Knowles put the away side in front after half-an-hour before Isaac Hutchinson fired in an excellent second to double their lead early in the second half.

Askey’s side were given a lifeline when referee Darren Drysdale awarded Hartlepool a penalty which Dan Kemp converted to reduce the deficit before Matt Steven’s restored Walsall’s two goal advantage

Kemp gave Hartlepool little hope when he scored his second goal from the spot as the clock ticked onto 90.

But with four minutes of added time, Hartlepool displayed their ‘Never Say Die’ motto as Jennings popped up to rescue a point.

It was the beginning of another new era at the Suit Direct Stadium with Askey the third manager this season tasked with bringing success to Hartlepool.

Askey was under no illusions as to the job facing him with just 13 games left to ensure the club’s League Two status - a change in focus from his most recent success with York City.

Askey built up an excellent rapport with the Minstermen having guided them to the National League but he admitted, however brief it may be, the lure of league football was a pull in his decision to accept chairman Raj Singh’s proposal to replace Keith Curle.

And, perhaps fittingly, Askey’s first game came against a club close to his heart in Walsall.

Askey’s father, Colin, featured for the Saddlers for three years during his playing days and Askey admitted Walsall’s results were always ones often looked out for when growing up.

But Askey was now very much focused on the importance of continuing what had been a disappointing run of form from the Saddlers heading into the contest with MIchael Flynn’s side without a league win since New Year’s Day.

Askey’s task was not made any easier, however, as he was left without a number of key players for his Suit Direct Stadium bow.

Josh Umerah was a notable absentee with Hartlepool’s talisman missing from training in the run up to the game through injury.

That was added to by the expected absences of Jamie Sterry, serving the final game of his three-match suspension, and Dan Dodds who is set to miss a couple of weeks with a groin injury.

Captain Nicky Featherstone returned to the side having missed the midweek defeat to Newport with Jack Hamilton replacing Umerah and Brendan Kiernan earning his first start for the club since his transfer deadline day move.

Only Featherstone and David Ferguson were starting against Walsall who started at the Bescot Stadium on the opening day of the season such has been the turnover at the Suit Direct Stadium.

Askey stressed the importance of his first game in charge in an attempt to rebuild the confidence of the Hartlepool squad, who had won only two of 10 league games in 2023.

But Askey quickly came to realise the job in front of him as Pools should have been behind before the new manager had even found his seat in the dugout.

From the kick-off Taylor Foran was caught in possession by Knowles who was in on goal before Jakub Stolarczyk saved well and then reacted quickly to deny Knowles another go before Hutchinson fired over from the rebound.

It was an immediate let off for Askey’s side who were unable to force their way into the game but for a weak attempt from Kiernan when dragging wide.

Brandon Comley was within inches of breaking the deadlock when he picked up a clearance from Robbie Wilmott’s corner before curling a superb effort off the underside of the bar and out - the follow up finding the post although the linesman’s flag had been raised.

Donervan Daniels sent a hopeful ball forward which was able to reach Hutchinson who had wriggled free of Edon Pruti but the former Derby County man wanted too long in the Hartlepool penalty area allowing Pruti to get back and clear.

Hartlepool did fashion a chance and it came to who they would have wanted it to in Umerah’s absence through Kemp.

The MK Dons loanee met Ferguson’s clever ball through the middle of Walsall’s defence but Kemp snatched at the opportunity on his weaker side as Owen Evans’ goal went untroubled.

But it was Walsall who looked the more likely and they got the breakthrough their start to the game merited when Knowles beat Stolarczyk.

Comely was allowed to advance towards the edge of the area before finding Knowles who was able to turn and fire in low and well beyond the Leicester City loan goalkeeper as Hartlepool went another 45 minutes without a shot on target.

And very quickly into the second half Hartlepool’s task was made even more difficult as Hutchinson fired in a second for the Saddlers.

After picking up the ball on the left midway inside the Pools half, Hutchinson was able to get by Foran and Kiernan with ease before arrowing into the top corner beyond Stolarczyk.

But with Pools seemingly down and out, they were handed a lifeline when the referee awarded a penalty for a foul on Hamilton off the ball as Kemp made no mistake from 12-yards.

It led to a bit of a rally from the home side with Kemp seeing another effort deflect wide before Walsall restored their advantage.

Stevens got Mouhamed Niang one-against-one, with Niang taking a tumble in the area, before finding the corner with Hartlepool’s spirit seemingly broken.

But again they were handed a lifeline as Oliver Finney was tripped in the area before four minutes of stoppage time was announced.

Up stepped Kemp once more with the same result as Hartlepool looked to rescue an unlikely point – which they managed through Jennings.

Ferguson’s free kick was met by Pruti at the back post who sent the ball back across goal for Jennings to power in and give Askey a point on his first game in charge.

Hartlepool United XI: Stolarczyk, Foran (Niang ‘58), Hartley (Dolan ‘70), Pruti, Kiernan, Featherstone © (Finney ‘80), Sylla, Ferguson, Kemp, Jennings, Hamilton (Clarke ‘80)

Subs: Killip, Grey, McDonald

Walsall XI: Evans, White, Daniels ©, Monthe, Knowles, Comley, Stevens (Williams ‘80), Allen, Hutchinson, Wilmott, Songo’o (Kinsella ‘76)

Subs: Riley, James-Talor, McEntee, Low, Gordon

Referee: Darren Drysdale

Attendance: 4,418 (340 Walsall)