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
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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Hide AdAnd 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.
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
Half-time verdict
“Frustrating for Pools who will feel unfortunate to be behind at the break. They’ve have some decent chances, particularly towards the end of the half as Olomola dragged wide.
“Charlton have been decent and are certainly presenting Pools with a challenge but Graeme Lee will be disappointed with the nature of both Addicks goals.
“Killip’s missed clearance allowed Washington the chance to steal the ball away before Burstow was finally able to convert before Gilbey found himself free inside the six yard box to give Johnnie Jackson’s side the lead.
“Pools were on the backfoot for a period but have since responded well and have threatened. They’re still in this tie.”
45 - POOLS GO CLOSE
Olomola goes so close to an equaliser. Crawford works it into Cullen who was all of a sudden free in the area but his touch evaded him. Cullen instead played it further on to Olomola who dragged just wide of the far post.
44 - SAVE
Crawford stings the palms of Macgillvray from inside the area after Olomola again found space down the right to pick teh midfielder out
Olomola forces Purrington into a mistake but he can’t get the ball under control to try his luck on goal
37 - POOLS GO CLOSE
Pools close to an equaliser as Crawford looks to pick out the top corner with a curling effort. Macgillvray was at full stretch but it goes narrowly wide
32 - GOAL FOR CHARLTON
And the visitors lead just as Pools were gaining a foothold back into the game with soke good possession. Leko was able to beat Francis-Angol down the right and stand a cross up which is headed back into the six yard box to Gilbey who swivels to fire home.