Two killer goals either side of half-time made all the difference and the Cumbrians never really got out of first gear. They made a reasonable start and finished the game more encouragingly but there was no denying the better side on the day won it. Chances were few and far between for Carlisle in the opening half although a quickly taken free kick almost found the head of Richie Foran who threw himself at the ball inside the penalty area but just failed to connect. As Hartlepool settled and began to get a grip in midfield, they created the better openings. An audacious moment of skill from new boy Trevor Molloy wowed the Paddock when he flicked the ball over his own head and created a crossing opportunity, but it was a rare occurrence. A minute from the end of the half, 'Pool worked the ball into the penalty area neatly and as Carlisle failed to clear the ball, it dropped invitingly for Mark Tinkler who finished low past Peter Keen into the centre of the goal. Half-time brought a rethink from Roddy Collins. The experiment of playing Mark Birch in midfield was terminated and in came the more orthodox Mick Galloway, looking a shadow of his former (stout) self. Barely had the switch had time to make a difference when the Chimp Chokers extended their lead. A mistake on the edge of the box by Michael Jack gave the opportunity to Richie Humphreys who fired home a crisp half volley into the right corner of the net, leaving Keen with no chance. The Poolies' togetherness was showing through as United failed to release Foran or debutant Molloy, who showed a few tricks and came more into the game as it went on. In midfield Will McDonagh was a big disappointment. Molloy produced the best long range effort of the match midway through the second half to bring a fingertip save out of the visitors' keeper Anthony Williams. Harlepool sewed it up when Tinkler claimed his second goal on 71 minutes. Again United were slow to clear and Tinkler pounced to turn and beat Keen with a low shot. The introduction of Brian Wake added a bit of keenness to the attack. It was Wake who finally woke up the Blues with 10 minutes left. Put through down the left channel he drew Williams out a fraction and placed the ball wide of him and into the left corner. It was a well-taken goal and Wake did enough to suggest he may get a chance to start before long. Elsewhere the skills of winger Ryan Baldachino were often in evidence although he lacked a real cutting edge on the day and failed to get in enough telling crosses. United as a whole were a bit flat which was a shame for the biggest crowd for a league game in over seven years. Al's verdict: Roddy Collins and John Courtenay knew it wouldn't be easy when they returned to Carlisle two weeks ago, and with three arrivals just yesterday, it will inevitably take time for the side to come together and blend. On this evidence, they are some way behind the standard required - Hartlepool represent just about the best this division has to offer. Baldachinno showed promise, Foran looked sharp and Wake made a late impact, but some of the rest were a bit rusty. A lot of work ahead but I'm sure that will come as no surprise to Roddy and co. |
