‘Much better’ - Hartlepool United boss Pete Wild issues buoyant verdict despite late blow in Wealdstone draw

Hartlepool United manager Pete Wild delivered a positive verdict on his side’s display in their 1-1 draw with Wealdstone on Saturday afternoon, despite a late own goal denying them all three points.

Substitute Brooklyn Ilunga fired his side ahead with 10 minutes remaining after Pools had piled pressure on their visitors throughout, only for Reiss McNally to unluckily turn a low cross into his own net at the death to ensure a sharing of the spoils.

But speaking after the final whistle, Wild insisted that he was still highly encouraged by the progress that his side are continuing to make with regards to the level of their overall performances. Speaking to BBC Radio Tees, he said: “I'm gutted for the players because I thought we were excellent today. I thought with and without the ball I can see a real difference in us, in our intensity, in how we're moving the ball, and the areas we're trying to get into.

“I mean, the only blot on the day is that we haven't taken our chances. We should be two up in half an hour, and we should be home and hosed, but we're not. We've had chance after chance after chance today, and we’ve not taken them. That's the only blot on the day.

“They haven't had a shot on target. It's an own goal, the one that goes in. We defended so well. So we're really frustrated, but I'm really seeing a difference, and I think that's what I've got to hone in on. I'm really seeing a difference in how we're playing.”

Asked whether Saturday represented Pools’ best home performance of his tenure to date, Wild responded: “Yeah, definitely. Like I say, we got runners behind the ball, got loads of crosses in the box. We switched play - that was the game plan to switch play because we knew we could hurt them. So all of them things are a real tick and we defended well.

“Every team at every level has a spell. We nullified their spell. But all in all, a real good day's work. The processes are good. You're just a bit frustrated because you think you should get three points.”

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And despite the late blow of dropping two points, Wild is adamant that his side are rapidly improving in their bid to play their way clear of a relegation battle. He added: “We're moving in the right direction again. Far better, far better. Every week we're getting better. And I think that you can see today. I won't say it was slightly better, I'd say it was much, much better today. And that's what we've got to hone in on.”

This weekend’s result leaves Hartlepool 21st in the National League table, with 16 points to their name after 17 matches. Next weekend, Wild’s men make the trip north to face Gateshead in a potentially pivotal clash on Tyneside. For their part, Heed were beaten 3-0 by Barrow on Saturday, and have amassed just four points so far this season.

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