Salford's FA Cup fairytale cruelly ended by Hartlepool
Salford's FA Cup fairytale ended as extra-time goals from Scott Fenwick and Mikael Mandron earned League Two Hartlepool an undeserved 2-0 win in the second-round replay.
The Pools strikers netted late on after a lacklustre showing from their side to send the non-league Lancashire club - who are part-owned by Gary and Phil Neville, Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs and Nicky Butt - out of the competition.
Salford headed to Victoria Park scenting another upset having followed up a first-round win over Notts County by holding Pools 1-1 at Moor Lane.
They played their opponents off the park for much of the contest and almost grabbed a deserved lead in the second half as Trevor Carson produced a stunning double save to deny Lewis Hardcastle and former Hartlepool striker James Poole.
Richie Allen's deflected free-kick then struck the outside of the post, with Pools relieved to reach extra-time.
Ronnie Moore's men showed rare quality in the 107th minute when Rhys Oates sent in a superb cross that Fenwick met with a decisive bullet header.
And Pools' passage to a third-round clash with Derby was confirmed as Mandron volleyed home Brad Walker's clever pass in the dying seconds.
Source: PA
