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.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

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.

A message from the Football Clubs Editor

Our aim is to provide you with the best, most up-to-date and most informative Hartlepool United coverage 365 days a year.

This depth of coverage costs, so to help us maintain the high-quality reporting that you are used to, please consider taking out a subscription to our new sports-only package here.

Your support is much appreciated. Richard Mennear, Football Clubs Editor.

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

Smith penalised for a push on Morgan. Freekick for Charlton who slow things down a little

Molyneux goes close again with a first time effort. My oh my has he grabbed this game by the scruff of the neck

74 - GOAL FOR POOLS

Wow! What an impact from Molyneux. Straight off the bench and almost assists Cullen before the resulting corner comes to him on the edge of the area and he curls a delightful effort beyond Macgillvray.

Game on!

72 - CHANCE FOR POOLS

Brilliant save from Macgillvray to deny Cullen.

Molyneux replaces Olomola

Leko off for Blackett-Taylor and Burstow off for Aneke for the visitors

Sterry’s corner is met by Hendrie but he gets it all wrong and it ricochets wide

Grey on the right now wins a corner

Grey tries to bundle his way on goal and Pearce can only clear to Shelton. HIs strike is blocked to Crawford who steers over.

63 - CHARLTON CHANCE

Morgan with a chance for the visitors after Purrington’s cross was pulled back to the Addicks No10. Good block in the end from Odusina

Excellent defending from Odusina again up against Burstow