Hartlepool United put in a highly encouraging display but had to settle for a sharing of the spoils in a 1-1 draw against Wealdstone at Victoria Park on Saturday afternoon.
The hosts started brightly, going close through Jack Nolan and Nathan Sheron in the early knockings. Will Harris would also glance a header wide from close range as Wealdstone struggled for a foothold in the contest.
As the first period wore on, Pools continued to create opportunities, with Max Clark and Nolan both going close to breaking the deadlock.
The two teams would head in level at the interval, but Pools continued to push after the break, with Jamie Miley and Liam Gibson both going close before Clark blazed a volley over the top.
Yet more chances came and went for the home side before substitute Brooklyn Ilunga stepped up with 10 minutes remaining to catapult Wild’s men into a well-deserved lead, but a Reiss McNally own goal at the death denied Pools all three points.
Here’s how Pete Wild’s side rated against Wealdstone...
5. Max Clark
Used the ball well, and looked to play his strikers in behind on numerous occasions. Twice went close to breaking the deadlock in the first half, and blazed a volley over after the break. Overall, a decent outing. 6 | Hartlepool Mail, Chris Fryatt
6. Jamie Miley
Busy and committed to his cause, quickened pulses when he tried to replicate his Boreham Wood screamer just prior to half-time. Looked sharper still after the break and was at the centre of several promising moves. 7 | Chris Fryatt
7. Nathan Sheron
Made his experience count in the engine room, conducting proceedings nicely and putting his body on the line throughout. 7 | Hartlepool Mail, Chris Fryatt
8. Cole Deeming
Pulled the strings throughout, showing plenty of promise and creativity. Delivered a number of teasing balls that thoroughly deserved to be turned home. 8 | FRANK REID