Oxford Utd 0-2 Hartlepool: Match Report

17 March 2015 22:31

Pools dreaming after U's win

Bottom club Hartlepool chalked up a second successive away win, a 2-0 victory at Oxford, to give their survival hopes a massive boost.

A goal in each half brought them three points at the Kassam against a United outfit that had conceded only one goal in their previous five games.

It was a perfect follow-on for Ronie Moore's men after Saturday's 1-0 triumph at Morecambe.

Ryan Bird fired Pool in front in the 33rd minute, driving in the rebound after former U's player Jonathan Franks saw a fierce angled drive parried by Ryan Clarke following a mistake from Joe Skarz.

Oxford were shot-shy, with Patrick Hoban not taking up an opportunity after he was well set up by Kemar Roofe.

Callum O'Dowda headed against the post when two players lay injured on the ground after a clash of heads.

In the 51st minute Hartlepool made it 2-0 and again Bird played a part as Oxford centre-back Johnny Mullins gave away a penalty when the ball struck his hand in the area.

And although Clarke brilliantly beat out Bird's low spot-kick, Neil Austin reacted quicker than any defenders smashing in the follow-up.

Michael Duckworth almost made it three, driving over the bar after a swift counter-attack by the visitors.

It was a night to forget for referee Patrick Miller, who was stretchered off 10 minutes from time after appearing to twist his knee.


Source: PA