Hartlepool United v Charlton Athletic RECAP: How it played out as Pools move into the semi-finals of the Papa John's trophy with shootout win

Hartlepool United are one game from Wembley after a dramatic penalty shootout win over Charlton Athletic.
Joe Grey opened the scoring in the Papa John's Trophy quarter-final. Picture by FRANK REIDJoe Grey opened the scoring in the Papa John's Trophy quarter-final. Picture by FRANK REID
Joe Grey opened the scoring in the Papa John's Trophy quarter-final. Picture by FRANK REID

Pools had to come from behind after Mason Burstow and Alex Gilbey cancelled out Joe Grey’s excellent opener.

But Graeme Lee’s side don’t know when they’re beaten in cup football this season and substitute Luke Molyneux grabbed a stunning equaliser within minutes of being introduced.

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And it was no less than Pools merited after they created a number of opportunities against the League One side with a penalty shootout the least they deserved.

Hartlepool United host Charlton Athletic under the lights at the Suit Direct Stadium in the quarter-finals of the Papa John's Trophy. Picture by FRANK REIDHartlepool United host Charlton Athletic under the lights at the Suit Direct Stadium in the quarter-finals of the Papa John's Trophy. Picture by FRANK REID
Hartlepool United host Charlton Athletic under the lights at the Suit Direct Stadium in the quarter-finals of the Papa John's Trophy. Picture by FRANK REID

Ben Killip, who had been at fault earlier in the game for Burstow’s equaliser, redeemed himself with a strong save to deny Elliot Lee and hand Pools the advantage in the shootout following Molyneux’s conversion.

And it was left to Sterry to settle the tie and, just like at Ashton Gate last season, the fullback calmly dispatched from 12 yards much to the delight of Pools supporters.

And here is how the 90 minutes played out.

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Hartlepool United 2-2 Charlton Athletic RECAP: Hartlepool seal 5-4 shootout victory to advance into the semi-finals

Key Events

  • Luke Molyneux equalises for Hartlepool
  • Alex Gilbey gives Charlton the lead
  • Mason Burstow draws Charlton level
  • Joe Grey gives Hartlepool the lead
  • Hartlepool United XI: Killip, Sterry, Hendrie, Odusina, Francis-Angol, Smith, Crawford, Shelton, Grey, Olomola, Cullen
  • Subs: Boyes, Liddle, Byrne, Ogle, Ferguson, Featherstone, Molyneux
  • Charlton Athletic XI: Macgillivray, Purrington, Famewo, Pearce ©, Morgan, Gilbey, Washington, Matthews, Leko, Watson, Burstow
  • Subs: Henderson, Lee, Castillo, Aneke, Blackett-Taylor, Inniss, Clare

Sterry as calm as you like sends Pools into the semi-finals. What drama.

They just don’t know when they’re beaten in cup football

Aneke keeps Charlton in it

Molyneux scores

Shelton rolls it into the corner

Clare down the middle scores

Crawford cool as you like

Gibley sends Killip the wrong way

Cullen scores. The keeper went the right way