Salford will have to win a Second Round replay at Victoria Park if they are to continue their FA Cup run after playing out a 1-1 draw against Hartlepool tonight.
The Pool took the lead with a seventh minute penalty when midfielder Rhys Oates was brought down in the box by Andy Dawson. Oates went on to convert his spot kick to give the away side the lead.
The Ammies would equalise in the 23rd minute , when former Aston Villa defender Steve O’Halloran received a knock down header from Dawson before placing his shot home in the bottom right corner.
Both sides would exchange chances throughout the second half. However, neither were able to break the deadlock, the result now means that there will be a replay in two weeks time at Victoria Park.
Hartlepool leave their gaffer asking for Moore
In a game that saw both teams have good chances it was League Two Hartlepool who had countless efforts from set-pieces that went begging.
Despite all the pace Jake Gray had on the left wing, and the efforts of Rakish Bingham to put himself forward as a target man, the Monkey Hangers couldn’t find that killer ball to break down Salford’s defence. Ronnie Moore was hopping about in in disbelief during injury time.
Salford robust in defence, but will struggle to survive at Victoria Park.
As much as Hartlepool made a meal of their attacks, credit has to go to The Ammies’ partnership in central defence.
Steve Howson and Andy Dawson made a superb effort in marking Manderon out the game; so much so that his slip during the first half typified the Sunderland loanee’s performance.
In the second half they were faced with more of a challenge as Bingham made himself busy in the final third, however against a barrage of shots The Ammies stood firm.
Poole the star but not the hero
James Poole put in a superb performance against his former club.
The winger fired in balls all across the pitch and his interchange between himself, Allen and Webber caused the Hartlepool defence all kinds of problems.
However, the fairytale ending wasn’t meant to be as although he came close, couldn’t find that moment of magic to fire his side into the third round.
Salford will face a midweek Second Round replay in Countuy Durham with a big travelling contingent expected from Moor Lane.
The FA Cup dream lives on, for now.
Main image: BBC Sport
