Hartlepool United v Bristol Rovers PLAYER RATINGS: How Pools were rated in defeat at the Memorial Stadium

Hartlepool United were left scratching their heads at the Memorial Stadium wondering how they came away empty handed.
By Joe Ramage
Published 15th Jan 2022, 13:59 BST
Updated 15th Jan 2022, 18:29 BST
Hartlepool United players fared well despite a late defeat. Picture by FRANK REIDHartlepool United players fared well despite a late defeat. Picture by FRANK REID
Hartlepool United players fared well despite a late defeat. Picture by FRANK REID

Graeme Lee’s side enjoyed positive spells for large parts of the game against a Rovers side making their first League Two outing since mid-December.

Marcus Carver was handed his Pools debut and came close to opening the scoring in the first half before substitute Mark Cullen looked certain to give Pools the lead only to be denied by a wonderful save from man of the match James Belshaw.

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And it was a save which would ultimately cost Pools the points as two late goals ensured they would leave the South West empty handed.

Relatively untroubled. Came and punched well after a miscue from Byrne in the first half. Out of position slightly for Sterry’s red card. Nothing he could do with either goal. Picture by FRANK REIDRelatively untroubled. Came and punched well after a miscue from Byrne in the first half. Out of position slightly for Sterry’s red card. Nothing he could do with either goal. Picture by FRANK REID
Relatively untroubled. Came and punched well after a miscue from Byrne in the first half. Out of position slightly for Sterry’s red card. Nothing he could do with either goal. Picture by FRANK REID

Aaron Collins capitalised on a loose ball in the area three minutes from time before Anthony Evans fired in a beautiful freekick to double the Gas’ lead after Jamie Sterry was shown a straight red card for a tangle with Evans.

Despite defeat, Pools showed promising signs and here is how they were rated.

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A threat going forward with some excellent crosses and dealt with Nicholson and Grant well. Sent off in stoppage time for a tangle of legs with Pools chasing. Picture by FRANK REIDA threat going forward with some excellent crosses and dealt with Nicholson and Grant well. Sent off in stoppage time for a tangle of legs with Pools chasing. Picture by FRANK REID
A threat going forward with some excellent crosses and dealt with Nicholson and Grant well. Sent off in stoppage time for a tangle of legs with Pools chasing. Picture by FRANK REID

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Related topics:Player ratingsBristol RoversRichard Mennear