Hartlepool 1-1 Colchester: Match Report

No separating Hartlepool and Colchester on opening dayHartlepool and Colchester began their Sky Bet League Two campaigns with a spirited 1-1 draw at the Northern Gas & Power Stadium.Tom Eastman enjoyed a dream start to the season as he put Colchester ahead inside five minutes, but skipper Billy Paynter earned Pools a share of the spoils from the penalty spot.The game began in frenetic fashion, with Colchester capitalising on some disjointed defending to take a fourth-minute lead.After Sammie Szmodics' effort deflected just wide, Pools made a mess of clearing the resulting corner and Eastman was left unmarked to curl home from eight yards.Hartlepool responded impressively, though, and levelled through Paynter's 28th-minute spot-kick after Craig Slater brought down Nathan Thomas.Craig Hignett's men then took control of the game and almost went ahead when debutant Padraig Amond blazed Thomas' cross over.Colchester spurned a golden opportunity of their own in the second period as Kurtis Guthrie struck wide with the goal at his mercy following a fine counter-attack.Dion Sembie-Ferris forced a good stop from Trevor Carson as both sides settled for a point.

Source: PA