Jeff Stelling and Hartlepool United fans react to abandoned match at Eastleigh and Luke Williams' latest injury setback
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But that’s just what happened for Hartlepool United at Eastleigh on Saturday as torrential rain in Hampshire led to the National League fixture being abandoned in front of the BT Sport cameras.
With the match goalless prior to being called off, neither side could have too many complaints with the decision.
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Hide AdBut in hindsight, Pools may feel slightly aggrieved that the match even got under way in the first place as the returning Luke Williams suffered yet another injury setback in what was his first competitive start since 2017.
The midfielder lasted just over a quarter of an hour at The Silverlake Stadium before being forced off.
Although a game of football technically didn’t take place, people were quick to take to Twitter to voice their opinions on the events that unfolded on Saturday evening…
Club president Jeff Stelling had his say: “Just a word to those who thought the game should continue. I was there. The rain was torrential, the ball not running and there were gale force winds. It was a total nonsense and could not continue. At no time could we play our passing game.
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Hide AdHe added: "So sad for Luke Williams. Luke has tried his socks off to get fit. It is desperate for him. You could see how upset he was when he got injured. No one should criticise him. He is a wonderful footballer whose career has been ruined by injury.”
Pools midfielder Gavan Holohan, who watched on from the bench said: “Who would have predicted that ey??? Oh yeah, the weather man!!! Common sense is underrated.”
Tommy White tweeted: “I could cry for Luke Williams man, horrible seeing him go off there.”
Luke Marsh said: “We’ve gained nothing from today - only a significant blow to the loss of Luke Williams (again)
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Hide Ad“There are simply no words left to describe the pondering career this man is suffering from. Instead of taking cheap shots, we need to support him. Imagine the mental damage it’s doing.”
Jack Ashman sarcastically commented: “So another long slog down south, Williams injured, what a night.”
Some supporters were critical of the decision to start Williams in the far from ideal conditions as Cullen Watson said: “Think Dave has to take some blame playing him on that pitch.”
Lewis Clarke agreed: “It was always going to happen in these conditions. Silly decision to even risk him.”
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Hide AdJoe Bolwell added: “Poor lad, I couldn't believe it (but then again I sort of course). Odd thing to start him in a game in those conditions. So he could potentially be out long term again for a game that never actually happened. Just gets worse for him.”
Gareth Corser tweeted: “Feel for him as he must be gutted but from the club's point of view it’s a waste of a signing - doesn’t matter how good he is if he is never fit and this is now multiple seasons of him constantly being injured.”
On the decision to abandon the match at half-time, Stuart Blackett said: “Right decision that. Fixture congestion this season is going to be insane.”