Hartlepool United v Stevenage RECAP: How things played out as Graeme Lee's side take a point at the Suit Direct Stadium
Pools fell behind midway through the second half when Gary Liddle was penalised for a foul on substitute Jamie Reid with referee Martin Coy showing no hesitation in pointing to the spot.
Norris stepped up and converted well sending Ben Killip the wrong way.
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Hide AdTo Pools’ credit they fought back in a game where they might have let things slip with very little in the way of clear cut chances up to that point.
And it was captain Featherstone who grabbed the equaliser as he fired in superbly from the edge of the area at the first time of asking from Joe Grey’s set up.
Graeme Lee’s side pressed for a winner in the closing 10 minutes but were unable to find a way though a resolute Stevenage defence.
And here is how the full 90 minutes played out at the Suit Direct Stadium.
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Hartlepool United 1-1 Stevenage LIVE: Nicky Featherstone rescues a point for Hartlepool
Key Events
- Featherstone draws Hartlepool level with a well-taken goal
- Norris scores from the spot to give Stevenage the lead.
- Hartlepool United XI: Killip, Ogle, Byrne, Liddle, Odusina, Ferguson, Featherstone ©, Shelton, Holohan, Molyneux, Cullen
- Subs: Boyes, Hull, Hendrie, Crawford, Smith, Grey, Olomola
- Stevenage XI: Pym, James-Wildin. Coker, Reeves, Cuthbert ©, Prosser, Taylor, Norris, Westbrooke, Lines, Vancooten
- Subs: Carter, Andrade, Upson, Daly, O’Neill, Reid, Walker
61 - CHANCE FOR CULLEN
Real chance for Cullen who latches onto a long ball and beats the keeper to the ball. Pym is stuck in no-mans-land but Cullen fires just wide of the far post from a tight angle inside the area.
Joe Grey replaces Holohan
Featherstone picks out Ferguson on the left and his drilled cross in dangerous but Stevenage are able to scramble clear in front of Molyneux who was waiting.
Molyneux dispossesses Reeves in midfield and appeared to be bundled over when running forward but the referee is having none of it
53 - STEVENAGE GO CLOSE
Lines is given far too much time on the edge of the area to pick out a cross and he almost finds Taylor in the six yard box. It drifts out for a goalkick much to the relief of Killip who would have been stranded.
Corner is dealt with by Prosser but Pools retain possession looking to start an attack again from the back
Good shout from Killip to Liddle who leaves Taylor’s cross from the right for his goalkeeper. Gathers well.
Verdict
“There hasn’t been a lot to get excited about in the first half from both teams with both sides struggling to keep hold of possession in midfield.
“Reagan Ogle has the best chance of the half and perhaps should have done better when firing over from inside the six yard box but he has been one who has managed to find space and time on the ball in the first half which could be something to explore further in the second half.
“Graeme Lee will be keen to up the tempo in the second 45 to move Stevenage around a little more while there are also options on the bench, most likely in the shape of Joe Grey.
“A frustrating opening 45 minutes for both teams with more needed after the break.”