Mixed emotions for Cross post Chesterfield
Positives and negatives were on the table for Academy Manager, Alex Cross, following a 3-0 defeat at home to Chesterfield on Friday afternoon.
The Academy boss explains it was a game of two halves at Blackhall, with disappointment the ultimate emotion at full time.
Julius Hounsell and Joe Aungiers created good chances early on, while Jacob Penprase looked like scoring but the midfielder rattled the post.
Alex Pavan hit the side netting as the referee blew for half time, with the Pools in the ascendency.
However, the second half started with back-to-back goals for Chesterfield, both from long balls over the Hartlepool defence.
The third was added from a cross, and while Pools found good openings to pull back a consolation, the score remained 3-0 at full time.
“It’s mixed emotions for us,” stated Cross.
“It was a really impressive first half display, but a very poor second half. It was nowhere near the standards we set ourselves.
“Credit to Chesterfield as they made it really difficult for us in that second half.
“We have to take the positives from the first 45, where we probably should’ve been ahead, and go again next week against Rotherham.”
Ryheem Sheckleford 5
Produced some sharp pieces of defending in the first-half in tricky situations but found things tougher after the break. He was beaten in the air by Harrison for the second goal and he didn’t cover himself in glory for the third, although the game was probably gone by that point.
Max Thompson 5
Walsall didn’t have a shot on target in the first-half but Thompson had to pick the ball out of the net three times in the second 45. Looked like he was blocked off by Matt for the second goal from the corner. His protests were ignored. Was on the end of a few rockets from Cook regarding his distribution at times
Tyrone Williams 6
A largely strong showing from the centre-back, who produced some old school defending in the first-half, with some no-nonsense clearances and duel succcess. One or two slip-ups in the second 45 and he didn’t win the first contact from the corner for Walsall’s equaliser.
