Hartlepool United lost to cup experts Tamworth on penalties on Tuesday night, falling at their first hurdle and continuing their dismal FA Trophy record. Gary Madine’s second goal in two games gave Lennie Lawrence’s team the lead, but Chris Wreh, a former Pools forward, equalized in the 90th minute to force a penalty shootout. The Lambs advanced to the fourth round thanks to goals from Tom Tonks, Dan Creaney, and Nathan Tshikuna. Mani Dieseruvwe, who was brought in particularly to take a penalty, Gary Madine, and Kazenga LuaLua all missed from 12 yards out. These are ten lessons we took away from Pools’ poor evening.
Pools continue to show faith in youth after Kian Foreman handed debut
It was a memorable evening for 17-year-old Kian Foreman after the striker made his senior debut as a second half substitute. The likes of Joe Grey, Louis Stephenson, Alfie Steel, Campbell Darcy, Max Storey and Joe Aungiers have all progressed through the academy in recent years and it’s important Pools continue to focus on developing young players following the departure of the influential Ian McGuckin. Hartlepool-born Foreman will be hoping he can be the next promising talent to break into the first team.
Kazenga LuaLua and Matthew Bondswell make first starts
Matthew Bondswell and Kazenga LuaLua both started their first Pools games on Tuesday night, but neither player performed well enough to put undue pressure on those in front of them. After struggling to get into the game and having his penalty saved in the shootout, LuaLua had a memorable 34th birthday. Bondswell, on the other hand, was good but not outstanding. They should gain from the run-out, and Pools will be expecting for more from the two newcomers, even though they may need to do more to establish themselves in regular contention.
Dan Dodds registers an assist on return from suspension
Dan Dodds was back in the side after serving his three game suspension following his reckless red card against Eastleigh last month. He was caught out of position a few times and allowed Tamworth to exploit the space in-behind him on a handful of occasions but got forward well and combined effectively with Anthony Mancini all evening. His inch-perfect cross picked out Gary Madine to score the opener and the 23-year-old will be hoping he’ll have done enough to force his way back into the side on a permanent basis. It remains to be seen whether Lawrence will restore him to the team ahead of the trip to Southend this weekend or if he’ll stick with the versatile Nathan Sheron. The sense is that Dodds might have to be patient, but his performance in midweek was a reminder of what he can offer going forward.
Luke Charman a doubt for trip to Southend after sustaining neck injury
After in-form forward Luke Charman was forced off with a neck injury on Tuesday night, Pools will have to wait anxiously. The 27-year-old, who has been playing well lately, entered as a replacement in the second half but walked off again 20 minutes later. After the incident, manager Lennie Lawrence said he was “groggy” and “sore” and acknowledged that he wasn’t sure whether he would be well enough to travel to Southend this weekend. Although Pools have other alternatives in wide areas, Lawrence will be eager to have Charman ready for the trip to Essex because he has been one of his team’s greatest players, both in and out of possession.
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