MICKY Barron’s first game as caretaker manager of Hartlepool United ended on a positive note.
Pools drew 2-2 at Brentford and, while they needed two own goals from the home centre-halves to make a breakthrough, they were good value for it in a bright performance.
Barron wanted his players to be braver in possession and keep the ball better than they have been – and they responded well.
Neale Cooper left following Tuesday’s loss at Bury and Barron was asked to take temporary charge.
Pools were the better team in the first period at Griffin Park, with their 4-5-1 formation bringing the best out of the impressive Ryan Noble and Antony Sweeney, the latter enjoying his best display of the season.
They trailed when Paul Hayes turned in from close range, but took the game to the opposition and created plenty of chances.
Ryan Noble was denied by keeper Simon Moore after being put in on goal and the home stopped saved three goalbound efforts from the Sunderland loanee, who also headed over from close range after being picked out by Sweeney.
The leveller came when Sweeney cut the ball across the face of goal and Harlee Dean turned into his own net.
Pools fell 2-1 down when Hayes headed in, but they kept pressing for a leveller and were rewarded when, from Evan Horwood’s corner, Tony Craig turned past his own keeper from close range.