A WEEK after losing their first game of the season, Hartlepool United produced their worst display of the campaign to lose convincingly at Notts County.
They produced a lacklustre display in front of a live TV audience, one which was world apart from their previous games on the road and had no complaints after being beaten for the first time away from Victoria Park this season.
Two goals from Karl Hawley, the ex-Carlisle striker and an injury time effort from substitute Cristian Montano earned the Magpies a convincing victory as they brushed past Pool in the League One table.
Pool created one chance after two minutes and it wasn’t until the 88th minute they again threatened the opposition goal.
But Mick Wadsworth, Pool head coach, is certain of a response when Wycombe Wanderers visit Victoria Park on Saturday.
Pool were beaten by the same scoreline at Meadow Lane last season and Wadsworth said: “We have had our backside kicked two years running here.
“Last year they halted a fantastic run we were on and done pretty much the same today. They were quicker, stronger, faster than us in every department.
“It’s not often a team is tougher than us, but they were. We cannot run away from it. We had a chat about it and will do again in the morning, and get onto it again.” He admitted: “It’s disappointing isn’t it? But we were well beaten as a team and it was the first time this season we have had a poor performance as a team – back to front, side to side.
“Too many players weren’t at the races to say the least, that’s the truth, an honest assessment. It was a really poor effort on our part.
“As a team we have been solid this season and we didn’t see this coming. If we stay in it at 1-0, then there’s half a chance of getting something but the second goal was really poor and we’ve not been brave enough to hold a high line. Our passing was poor, ball retention was as well. We had a little spell second-half, but it was too late and they controlled the game.”
Midfielder Antony Sweeney had the first chance of the game after just two minutes.
Nobby Solano floated over a cross from the right, and Sweeney’s free header was too close to keeper Stuart Nelson who saved.
The home keeper was a spectator for the remainder of the game, while at the opposite end, Scott Flinders was forced into his share of saves throughout.
He was beaten on 29 minutes when Hawley turned in a low effort from close range and then made two useful stops before the break.
But he was beaten again on 54 minutes, as Hawley roamed through the Pool defence, and, while he was tracked by Peter Hartley the defender couldn’t get a tackle in and the striker confidently clipped his finish past Flinders.
Pools made a couple of changes and the arrival of Andy Monkhouse and Evan Horwood gave them a lift, but while they had a bit more drive and possession, chances remained scarce.
Two minutes to go and Colin Nish headed at goal before Gary Liddle was denied by Nelson.
But Notts showed how it was done as the finished the game off with a low strike into the corner of the net from distance from substitute Cristian Montano.
Pool could be without Solano for a spell after the midfielder was forced off with a hamstring strain in the second half.
CHARLTON remained top of League One despite failing to beat Tranmere at The Valley on Saturday.
Chris Powell’s side fell behind to an Adam McGurk goal in the 33rd minute.
The visitors peppered the Addicks’ goal in search of a second, but the home side secured a 1-1 draw with 10 minutes remaining courtesy of Johnnie Jackson’s penalty.
Sheffield Wednesday closed the gap on the leaders to three points with a 3-1 victory over Chesterfield.
NOTTS COUNTY: Nelson; Kelly, Pearce (Sodje 90), Edwards, Sheehan; Mahon; Judge (L Hughes 66), Bishop, J Hughes; Burgess (Montano 82), Hawley. Subs (not used): Speiss (gk), Stirling.
Goals: Hawley (29, 56), Montano (90)
Booked: Sheehan
HARTLEPOOL UNITED: Flinders; Austin Collins, Hartley, Humphreys (Horwood 52); Solano (Poole 72), Murray, Liddle, Sweeney; Boyd (Monkhouse 52), Nish. Subs (not used): Luscombe, Wright
Booked: Solano, Monkhouse, Horwood.
Referee: Darren Deadman (Peterborough)
Attendance: 6,172
