Hartlepool United 0-0 Leyton Orient RECAP: Bore draw at the Suit Direct Stadium as Pools show signs of EFL Trophy semi-final hangover

Hartlepool United laboured to a goalless draw with Leyton Orient at the Suit Direct Stadium. (Credit: Mark Fletcher | MI News)

After a sluggish first half Pools improved slightly after the break and should have taken the lead through Omar Bogle 10 minutes after the restart but the striker fired straight into the thankful arms of Lawrence Vigouroux.

It would prove to be the best chance of the game as Graeme Lee’s side struggled to reach the heights of their performance in midweek during their EFL Trophy semi-final.

The key talking point before the game was the news that Luke Molyneux was on the bench with Newcastle United loanee Joe White returning to the starting line-up.

White was the only change from the side who started against Rotherham United in midweek as Pools prepared for a run of three games in six days.

But it was a slow start from the home side who appeared fatigued following the endeavours, emotionally and physically, from midweek.

Harry Smith came close to latching onto Ruel Sotirou’s cross before Sotirou fired off target following Neill Byrne’s missed clearance.

Pools had to wait until well after the half hour mark to have an effort on goal as White worked a ball well with Joe Grey before curling off target.

It was a more positive start to the second half from Lee’s side but they did have Byrne to thank for keeping the scores level when he cleared from the line to deny Smith after a bouncing ball wasn’t cleared.

And then it was Pools who almost took the lead through Bogle.

Mark Shelton hassled the O’s midfield and was able to come away with a loose ball and nudge it into Bogle’s path inside the area but he sidefooted straight into Vigouroux’s arms.

Molyneux was brought on just after the hour and added a little spark but neither side really threatened to make a breakthrough.

Paul Smyth forced Killip into a good save with his feet as it ended all square at the Suit Direct Stadium.

Pools return to action on Tuesday against Bradford City before heading to Newport County on Friday evening.

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Hartlepool United 0-0 Leyton Orient RECAP: Pools labour to bore draw with Leyton Orient.

Key Events

Hartlepool United XI: Killip, Sterry, Byrne, Odusina, Ferguson, Featherstone ©, Crawford, Shelton, White, Grey, Bogle
Subs: Bilokapic, Liddle, Ogle, Holohan, Fletcher, Molyneux, Carver
Leyton Orient XI: Vigouroux, Wood, Thompson, Smyth, Smith, Archibald, Beckles, Sotirou, Kyprianou, Coleman, Ray
Subs: Sargent, Nouble, Khan, Drinan, Young, Ogie, Obiero

Sat, 12 Mar, 2022, 18:50 BST

And that wraps things up here at the Suit Direct Stadium.

For as eventful as Wednesday night’s EFL Trophy tie was, this was the opposite as Graeme Lee’s side suffer from a semi-final hangover against Leyton Orient in an uneventful goalless draw.

It will be one to forget for the 5,903 inside the Suit Direct Stadium but they get the opportunity to put things right immediately when they welcome Bradford City here on Tuesday night.

And we will be here with you to guide you though every kick live with the Hartlepool Mail.

Thank you, as always, for joining us and enjoy your weekend.

Sat, 12 Mar, 2022, 18:47 BST

It was a frustrating afternoon at the Suit Direct Stadium with Graeme Lee describing the game as ‘flat’ and ‘not enjoyable’ as Pools were held to a goalless draw with Leyton Orient.

Sat, 12 Mar, 2022, 18:45 BST

Manager’s Reaction

Graeme Lee has provided details behind the decision for Luke Molyneux to start on the bench as Hartlepool United laboured to a goalless draw with Leyton Orient.

Molyneux was a surprise omission from the Pools starting line-up after being a key part of Lee’s side in recent weeks, including in Wednesday night’s EFL Trophy semi-final tie with Rotherham United.

Molyneux gave Pools the lead in the second half before missing his spot kick in the penalty shootout as Pools were beaten on penalties by the League One side.

But Molyneux, who celebrated his 100th appearance for Pools in the win over Harrogate Town a week ago, reported that he was struggling with fatigue to his manager following a heavy fixture load in recent weeks ahead of the meeting with the O’s.

“I stuck with the same team bar Mols because he had a bit of tightness and we didn’t want to risk him too much,” said Lee.

“He reported to the physios that there was some tightness and he was heavy legged.

“I left it until this morning to see what he was like. I left him a message to see how he woke up today and just told him to be honest with me.”

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Graeme Lee explains why Luke Molyneux was on the bench for Hartlepool United as they draw with Leyton Orient

Graeme Lee admits he did not want to risk Luke Molyneux for a full 90 minutes against Leyton Orient with the Hartlepool United striker fatigued.

Sat, 12 Mar, 2022, 18:38 BST

Reaction

Our Hartlepool United reporter Joe Ramage delivers his verdict on Pools’ goalless draw with Leyton Orient.

“I guess this was always a possibility after the events of Wednesday night.

“Pools expended so much energy, physically and emotionally, into that semi-final tie with Rotherham that, given the result did not go in their favour, there was always a chance of their being a hangover.

“And that could be felt around the entire stadium, not just on the pitch. While the almost 6,000 in attendance did their best to spur their side on, there was just a little sense of deflation all around after missing out on a trip to Wembley.

“Fortunately for Pools they came up against a side who lacked real quality and weren’t able to capitalise on their shortcomings which resulted in a real drab affair.

“Pools might have won it with Omar Bogle who wasn’t at his best throughout the afternoon, but equally Neill Byrne was needed to deny Orient on the line early in the second half.

“As Graeme Lee suggested post-match, it was not an enjoyable game to be a part of.

“Thankfully for Pools, and everyone inside the Suit Direct Stadium, there is another game on the horizon so that this can be swept under the carpet.

“At the moment this result and performance can be put down to a hangover from Wednesday night. The task for Lee and his staff now is to ensure that does not creep in and disrupt the final weeks of the season.”