McSweeney sends Pools through

05 October 2010 21:30
Leon McSweeney scored the only goal of the game to send Hartlepool into the third round of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy Northern Section against Bradford at Victoria Park. Three days after his spectacular strike earned a League One win at Plymouth, the Irishman netted from close range in the 68th minute, converting a cross from substitute Andy Monkhouse. Pools were deserving of their win, with their League Two opponents relying on the counter-attack to try and gain a foothold. The home side enjoyed plenty of first-half possession but were unable to break through an organised visiting back four. Steve Haslam saw a shot deflected wide and Denis Behan's low drive was blocked after some neat play with Evan Horwood and Adam Boyd. The Bantams went close when Omar Daley skipped past Neil Austin and fired straight at goalkeeper Jake Kean from a tight angle. The visitors` best chance came on the hour when a backpass from Armann Bjornsson fell short and striker Luke Oliver was put in on goal, only to see the ball smothered by goalkeeper Kean.

Source: PA