THIS was the performance and result which was supposed to arrive seven days earlier.
Following successive losses, Hartlepool took on struggling Wycombe at Victoria Park with three points and an improved display essential. Instead they failed to perform and suffered an unexpected loss.
Fast forward a week at Chesterfield and the losing streak was ended with a performance full of drive and determination sadly lacking previously.
James Poole scored two and Paul Murray one as Mick Wadsworth’s side got back to the form which saw them go nine unbeaten from the start of the season. When they fell a goal down at the b2net Stadium, it seemed like their recent poor run would be prolonged.
From a weak cross, a simple step-over by Craig Westcarr created space for Leon Clarke to score from the edge of the area.
But Pool weren’t behind for long, and they were in front even quicker.
Neil Austin’s free-kick into the area was punched by keeper Greg Fleming but only as far as Paul Murray and his header lifted into the net from 25 yards. Minutes later, James Poole cracked a shot past Fleming from 30 yards to put Hartlepool ahead.
It was his fourth of the season and his first goal in a game in which he has started.
His fifth arrived shortly after the break when Evan Horwood’s neat cross was met by the striker to give Pools a healthy advantage. The Spireites got one back when defender Dean Holden turned in from close range, but Pool weren’t going to give this one up and recorded their fourth away win of a very promising campaign to date.
“We knew the last five minutes would be tough but everyone played their part, ” reflected Mick Wadsworth. “Andy Monkhouse did remarkably well aerially and worked his nuts off for the team. Across the midfield, they all did their jobs and Lids was better than he has been.
“And Murray was Murray. James’ first goal was terrific and he’s got that in his locker.
“He can really smash a ball with both feet. He just had a quick look and it was wonderful. But how we won didn’t matter. It mattered that we got back to a more positive appreciation of Saturday evening.”
Poole has become a real crowd favourite since his summer move from Manchester City. The attacker admitted: “My second goal was a tap in, but I’d take one going in off my backside. The header came from a great cross from Evan I didn’t have to move, that’s the quality he has got.”
CHESTERFIELD: Fleming; Talbot, Holden, Grounds, Nathan Smith (Downes 59), Mendy, Allott (Morgan 69), Randall (Clay 59), Whitaker, Westcarr, Clarke. Subs (not used): Bowery.
Goals: Clarke 10, Holden 52.
HARTLEPOOL UNITED: Flinders; Wright, Collins, Hartley, Horwood, Liddle, Murray, Luscombe (Brown 63), Austin, Poole (Nish 77), Monkhouse (Humphreys 90). Subs (not used): Rafferty, Boyd.
Booked: Horwood, Nish.
Goals: Murray 17, Poole 19, 48.
Attendance: 5, 937. Referee: Robert Madley (West Yorkshire).
