Hartlepool United forward Luke James reflects on penalty decision and what led to 2-1 defeat at Woking as he looks to bounce back in FA Cup against Exeter City

Luke James was disappointed not to keep the momentum going as Hartlepool United’s five game unbeaten run came to an end with a 2-1 defeat at Woking.
Luke James of Hartlepool United is fouled during the Vanarama National League match between Woking and Hartlepool United at the Kingfield Stadium, Woking on Saturday 7th December 2019. (Credit: Paul Paxford | MI News)Luke James of Hartlepool United is fouled during the Vanarama National League match between Woking and Hartlepool United at the Kingfield Stadium, Woking on Saturday 7th December 2019. (Credit: Paul Paxford | MI News)
Luke James of Hartlepool United is fouled during the Vanarama National League match between Woking and Hartlepool United at the Kingfield Stadium, Woking on Saturday 7th December 2019. (Credit: Paul Paxford | MI News)

James won the penalty for Gime Toure’s opening goal but Pools couldn’t keep hold of the lead as second half strikes from Jake Hyde and Dave Tarpey saw the hosts claim three points.

Jack Cook was the last man when he pulled James down inside the penalty area and there were a few calls for the Woking defender to be given his matching orders.

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“We wanted to play a bit down the sides and it worked, when I cut inside I knew I was going to be brought down,” said the 25-year-old.

In association with Grand Central.In association with Grand Central.
In association with Grand Central.

“I’m not sure what the rules are but I wish he was sent off! I’m not sure about their offside goal either to be fair.

“I enjoy playing on the shoulder, that’s my game really. We were all so confident going into the game so it’s disappointing not to come away with any points.

“It was a game of two halves, we came with a game plan and executed it well in the first half and deserved our 1-0 lead.

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“Second half, things just didn’t go our way so we've just go to pick ourselves up and go into Tuesday’s game because it’s a massive opportunity to bounce back and put things right.

“If we’d won we would have been three points off the play-offs with a game in hand so hopefully this is just a little blip and we bounce back quickly.”

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