Hartlepool United 0 Wigan Athletic 3
Aug 25 2010 The Journal
HARTLEPOOL United bowed out of the Carling Cup last night despite a spirited display against Wigan.
Managerless Pool more than held their own against Premier League opposition but had given themselves a hard mountain to climb following Sam Collins’ third-minute own goal.
Goals from Jordi Gomez and Victor Moses secured the victory in the second half in what was a major let-off for manager Roberto Martinez who has seen his side concede ten goals in their first two Premier League matches this season.
Defeat at Hartlepool coupled with last season’s precarious survival could have spelled the end for him.
But the home side got off to the worst possible start after three minutes when Collins headed beyond his own keeper.
The Pool defender was under little pressure as Gomez sent in a free kick from 30 yards but his attempt to clear was somehow steered into the back of his own net. Pool’s first chance came after 13 minutes when Paul Murray seized upon a loose ball just outside the box but with little time drilled it straight down the neck of keeper Ali Al Habsi.
A break from Hugo Rodallega caught Pool on the hop after they’d steamed forward on the attack but a beautifully timed tackle by Steve Haslam on the edge of the box put paid to his chance.
Pools had a great chance after 26 minutes when Horwood’s free kick on the left was met by the fist of Habsi.
It fell to Joe Gamble who hit it first time over the keeper’s head but just wide of the target.
The diminutive midfielder was on target a minute later when he charged from the centre of the park and struck straight on from the edge of the box, forcing a one-handed save from Habsi.
Pool had more than their fair share of chances against their Premier League counterparts with Andy Monkhouse producing a cracking shot after a clearance which flew just over the bar.
The second half was a more sombre affair and while Pool had been expected to come out with all guns blazing looking for the equaliser, Wigan turned the tempo down and began to look more comfortable on the ball.
Under the guidance of caretaker manager Mick Wadsworth and temporary assistant Ritchie Humphreys, who also lined up on the bench last night, Pool were unable to pull a goal out of the bag. And they were punished in the 76th minute when Gomez hammered a tremendous free kick from 20 yards which rattled the under side of the bar before bouncing into the net.
Victory was secured when sub Moses made it three with just four minutes to go.
Pool caretaker manager Mick Wadsworth said: “For an hour I thought we were outstanding but the cup’s an adventure and now that adventure’s over so let’s get on with the league.”
Hartlepool United: (4-5-1): Flinders, Haslam, Collins, Liddle, Horwood, Brown (Larkin 57), Murray (McSweeney 77), Gamble, Sweeney, Monkhouse, Boyd (Behan 67). Subs (not used): Rafferty, Humphreys, Fredriksen, Hartley.
Booked: Liddle 90.
Wigan: (4-4-2) Habsi, Boyce, S Caldwell, Alcaraz, Figueroa, Thomas, Gomez, McArthur (McCarthy 66), Watson, Boselli (N’Zogbia 79), Rodallega (Moses 66). Subs (not used): Pollitt, Diame, Stam, Mustoe.
Booked: McArthur 20, Habsi 70.
Goals: Collins (og) 3, Gomez 76, Moses 86.
Referee: Phil Gibbs (Northants)
Attendance: 3,197
