'Points dropped' - Matthew Bates reacts to Hartlepool's Barrow stalemate and offers update on Luke Williams' recovery

Matthew Bates believes it was two points dropped for Pools, rather than one gained - despite a late penalty miss for visitors Barrow.
Hartlepool United manager Matthew Bates.Hartlepool United manager Matthew Bates.
Hartlepool United manager Matthew Bates.

The Hartlepool boss believes his side dominated the game and could, on another day, have won comfortably.

It was a lack of luck that proved the difference at the Super 6 Stadium on the night, no lack of quality from his side, who now sit sixth in the division - their highest place since relegation from the Football League.

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Bates said: "At home, it’s points dropped. Another day we win quite comfortably. They had a penalty, but on the balance of 90 minutes we were the better side.

"I was pleased with the performance, first-half especially and played with a tempo to move it quickly.

"Ryan (Donaldson) on the right whipped some great balls in but we didn’t’ convert them.

"They had a penalty and a first-half chance, but that was that for them. Chances created, chances gained we were the better side."

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Donaldson was a player who came in for particular praise from Bates.

"Ryan worked the position well, come inside and got crowded out," said the Pools boss.

"He’s got that and we want our wing-backs to be attacking. He has had another great game today.

"We just needed to convert the chances, you need a bit of luck in football and we just didn’t get that today."

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Bates has given an update on the Luke Williams injury situation.

Since he signed the player has been out with a bout of tonsilitis - but Bates has revealed he is not back in training.

“Luke is going great, he was training this morning when we had the lads in and he is part of the squad," said Bates.

"But hasn’t trained enough and it’s a little too soon for him. He will train Friday and Thursday and hope he’s back for Saturday."