Source: PA
Pools boss hails rookies
Hartlepool boss Mick Wadsworth was delighted with the performance of his rookies and felt they could have taken all three points after the 1-1 home draw with Tranmere.
Goalkeeper Andy Rafferty and youth-team players Darren Holden and Josh Rowbotham were handed their Pools debuts. And Holden was involved in United's goal after 14 minutes when his long throw was flicked on by Sam Collins with Antony Sweeney providing the finish.
Rovers, who are now seven points clear of the League One relegation zone, earned a point though when Dale Jennings tapped home nine minutes from time after Rafferty had kept out Enoch Showumni's effort.
Wadsworth said: "It's not so much the points, I'm pleased with what we did and tried to do. The young boys and goalkeeper did exceptionally well and long-term that's good for us.
"Both are 17-years-old, both were assured and didn't panic and brought something to the team. Right through my career, it's a lovely thing to bring young players into the team.
"It was excellent and we deserved to win the game, no doubt about that. They were a little desperate and the goal came against the run of play. But I'm learning all the time and seeing what players can bring to the side. The experienced players helped the young debutants and I was probably more nervous than them as I want them to do well. Bringing players through is a big thing at the club and it's not happened too often."
