Hartlepool United midfielder Nicky Featherstone discusses Boreham Wood comeback and yellow card incident

Pools trailed 2-0 after goals from Sorba Thomas and Kabongo Tshimanga put Boreham Wood in a commanding position as the match approached the closing stages.

But up stepped Featherstone to lash in his first of the season from 20-yards to give the hosts a much needed lift to try and force an equaliser. Just over 10-minutes later, substitute Gime Toure converted from the penalty spot to make it 2-2.

“We probably should have scored sooner than we did,” said Featherstone following the full-time whistle.

“We were disappointed to go in 1-0 down at half time but on reflection it was probably what we deserved.

“[Dave Challinor] picked out us three at half-time and said they were getting on top of us too easily and we needed to start winning that battle.

“But then a different formation and switching to the back four allowed us to get on top of the game and goals change games and the first goal for us really changed the game after that.

“The fans are brilliant when they’re behind us and after the first goal they really helped pull us through.”

The United midfielder was caught up in a bit of controversy in the build-up to half-time as his challenge on Tyrone Marsh riled up the opposition who were calling for a red card.

But Featherstone never felt in danger of being given his marching orders for what would have been the second time this season.

“I thought it was a yellow card and I looked at the referee straight away and he said it was a yellow card so before all the mess that came after it with their players,” he revealed.

“I don’t think the surface helped with the weather but I just think their guy got there before me and we’ve actually clashed shins and he’s came off worse but I think they felt as though I’d gone in with my studs but all that happened was that he’s nicked the ball before me.

“It’s a yellow card but it probably looks worse than it is.”