Hartlepool United entered their game against Carlisle United, just a point outside the play-offs. Carlisle arrived at the game aiming to narrow Rochdale’s nine-point gap for automatic promotion, writes Benn Whittle at Victoria Park.
With the Pools looking to return to League Two for the first time in three years and The Blues still reeling after being deposited out of the football league last season, this promised to be a high-intensity match with both teams looking to prove a point.
Sinclair Shines
The Pools came out in emphatic style with a high-tempo approach, which resulted in a 12th-minute solo goal from Tyrese Sinclair, who burst down the left channel and curled in a beautiful effort to put his side in front, his third since his arrival from Solihull Moors. Sinclair was the standout performer throughout, causing significant trouble for Carlisle United’s right-back, Jack Ellis.
Sinclair’s pace and skill forced Ellis into difficult situations, and his trickery led to midfielder Harvey Macadam receiving an early yellow card for a challenge on the wing. Carlisle had a rare opportunity to attack when Peterborough United loanee Chris Conn-Clarke attempted a bold shot from distance, which narrowly missed Nick Hayes’ goal.
As the match progressed, Carlisle gained increasing control of the ball around the 30-minute mark. While their play lacked attacking penetration, the Blues moved the ball laterally without creating any distinct goal-scoring opportunities. The Blues earned their first corner at the 40-minute mark when Conn-Clarke swung a dangerous delivery into the penalty area. Regrettably, defender Bevis Mugabi could not connect cleanly, leading to an air shot.
Hartlepool finished the half strongly, capitalising on a mistake by Carlisle goalkeeper Gabriel Breeze, who lost possession in midfield. This error provided Sinclair with another opportunity, but his shot narrowly missed the target. The Sinclair-Cameron John partnership on the left flank was particularly dynamic, with Sinclair’s low drive just missing the goal after a clever one-two with John.
A Professional Performance
Only 40 seconds into the second half, Hartlepool produced an almost carbon copy of their first-half start, with a high press and intensity drawing a mistake from The Cumbrians’ back line, which led to a well-taken finish from Pools striker Alex Reid on the half turn, taking his season’s tally to nine. The goal was much deserved after his hard work and hold-up play highlighted Hartlepool United’s first-half attack.
Carlisle United swiftly accelerated their tempo, committing more players forward and getting the ball into the penalty area. A half-chance was successfully cleared by former Lincoln City defender Jay Benn, resulting in a resounding round of applause from the Pools faithful.
Carlisle’s best chance of the game came in the 58th minute after a fantastic piece of recycled play saw a deflected effort land at the feet of former Everton youngster Morgan Feeney, whose chance was cleared off the line in a frantic last-ditch challenge.
However, Carlisle’s night went from bad to worse a minute later as Sinclair once again got the better of Macadam, who received his second yellow card in what was turning into a dismal night for the Cumbrian outfit. Two second-half substitutes provided an immediate impact as Sam Folarin broke clear, but his shot was tipped away. The oncoming Calvin Okike slipped the rebound in to provide not only his side with a 3-0 advantage but himself with his first goal since his arrival from Championship side Hull City.
Hartlepool were never going to get an easier ride as Georgie Kelly helped himself to his tenth goal of the season when the ball landed at his feet inside the penalty area, sparing further embarrassment on a poor evening all round. Hartlepool demonstrated great resilience towards the end of the match, effectively seeing the game out and limiting Carlisle’s opportunities, showcasing their professionalism.
As the game came to an end, Hartlepool had seemingly sent a message to everyone in the National League about why they are well regarded in the promotion chase, with a strong, fast and well-organised team performance.
