‘Our best performance’ – Dave Challinor praises side despite Hartlepool United ending their perfect start to the National League season with a 0-0 draw against Bromley

It's the first time Pools have failed to win in their opening four games so far this season but the point keeps them top of the National League table as it stands.

And despite the goalless draw, Challinor felt it was his side's best 90-minute display of the season so far.

"Bromley are a decent side and it shows how far we've come that we're disappointed with a draw,” the Hartlepool manager said.

“That was the best we’ve played so far this season over a whole game and since I’ve been here it’s probably the best we’ve played between the boxes. They’ve defended well and will be happy with a point, we had the gilt-edged chances to win the game.

"I’m disappointed but I’m also really pleased and proud of what we’ve done. I’m normally very disappointed if we’ve not won but I can’t ask for much more from the performance other than to put the ball in the net – if we can keep those levels, I’ll be really happy.”

During the match, Gavan Holohan had a goal ruled out for offside while Mark Shelton and Rhys Oates were both denied by the crossbar.

Several other chances over the 90-minutes also went begging as left-back David Ferguson put in a series of quality deliveries.

"We just couldn’t find that finish inside the penalty areas which is something you could maybe label us as,” Challinor added.

“With the delivery we’ve got from wide areas, we’ll score goals. I’ll be more concerned if we weren’t creating chances – I thought we were terrific.”

Discussing his side keeping a second straight clean sheet, the Pools boss continued: “We were more switched on, there were some hairy moments but I expected that in the conditions we were playing in.

“Bromley are a good team who we’ve been on top of for the majority of the 90-minutes. They’ve got a striker who, in my opinion, if he stays fit, he’ll be right up there as one of the top scorers in Michael Cheek.

"We’ve done really well but just not been able to secure the three points with that all elusive goal at the other end.”

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