Hartlepool United midfielder Gavan Holohan reflects on wonder strike in 2-2 draw against Barrow

Holohan hadn’t started a match for Pools in well over a month after nursing a niggling back injury that has restricted his playing time.

But the Irish midfielder took his chance against Barrow with a stunning equalising strike from 25-yards before assisting another equaliser for Ryan Donaldson late on.

Reflecting on his seventh goal of the season, Holohan said: “Feaths [Nicky Featherstone] has found me perfectly by playing it into my path without having to break stride.

“I was just concentrating on getting a good touch and connecting well with it. Nine times out of 10 it could fly out of the stand but thankfully it’s found the bottom corner.

“I had it in my mind as soon as I got the ball because I looked over my shoulder and saw there was a bit of space to take my touch into.

“I told myself, once I get a good touch I’m hitting it no matter how far out it is. It’s one of them where you have to buy the ticket.

“I haven’t scored at that end before either which made it extra special.

“I scored against Bromley right at the start of the season in front of the away end and then the rest of my goals have all come away so it’s been a while coming and I was delighted to see it fly into the bottom corner.”

Pools’ second goal saw defender Fraser Kerr react quickly to take a throw in and release Holohan in the build-up to Donaldson’s equaliser.

“Obviously Fraser will be disappointed with their second goal but he’s shown really good initiative to pick the ball up quickly and find me with the throw-in so fair play to him for spotting me,” Holohan added.

“I just tried to get the cross in and it was a great header from Ryan to find the net.

“He’s come under a bit of stick over the last few days but I’m really pleased because he’s someone who gives everything every week and I’m delighted for him.”