Notts County 3 Hartlepool United 0

MICK Wadsworth remained philosophical and upbeat after seeing his Hartlepool United side’s winning streak broken at Notts County.

Following five successive victories, Pools went down 3-0 at Meadow Lane, conceding two in the second half as they chased a route back.

But they remain well placed in League One, still just outside the top seven, a position which remains an attractive one for all concerned.

He said: “All good things come to an end, of course they do. It’s one of those things. We have been on a fantastic run and I said to the lads in the dressing room that I’m not angry. Yes, I’m a little bit disappointed, of course.

“Winning games away from home like we have been isn’t going to carry on for ever now is it?

“At 0-0, we had good chances and could have got our noses in front. But I was disappointed with the way we defended for the opening goal.

“We could have drawn at Bournemouth, drawn at Huddersfield and drawn here today – three points. Instead we have six points from nine and are in a good position.”

“The reality is that we have been on a fantastic run which has come to an end. We lost 3-0 and I will take responsibility for goals two and three because I made changes to push on and search for a way back.

“We are in great shape, have done fantastically well and we remain positive. This is a shame, but there is no Godgiven right to win games.

“One-nil and all the firsthalf, we probably had a dominant position. The second goal kills you.”

After Thomas Ince fired an early warning shot wide of the goal, Pools could easily have gone in front.

Evan Horwood’s corner went deep to the far post, Andy Monkhouse headed back and Antony Sweeney must have thought goal No 10 of the season was on a plate.

But his header from close range was kept out by goalkeeper Rob Burch.

Pools then had a firm penalty shout rejected by the officials.

First Leon McSweeney’s shot from a Ritchie Humphreys’ lay-off was pawed out of the top corner by keeper Rob Burch and, when Evan Horwood’s cross was put back into the area, left-back Jon Harley handled on the floor.

Soon on defensive duties, Sweeney’s header kept a dangerous Ben Davies free-kick away from Lee Miller.

Steve Haslam may not have the size of Sam Collins, but, just like on Saturday, he used his frame well to block off his opponent and was a constant thorn for striker Miller, as he made a number of timely interceptions.

Sweeney then turned a volley over, connecting firmly on the turn, but not able to keep it down and on target.

Monkhouse had a go next with an effort not to dissimilar to Sweeney’s but suffered the same outcome. The leftwinger then turned and hacked a tame effort on the turn at the goalkeeper. Joe Gamble was starting in place of Paul Murray and he was out to make the most of his chance as he got stuck in, roaming around and thudding into tackles in midfield.

But Pools went one-down on half-time. Thomas Ince was becoming a threat when running with the ball at his feet and needed to be kept in check.

Neil Austin, skipper in Collins’ absence, tried to shadow the ball out of play but lost it when Craig Westcarr robbed him. After getting past the defender he laid a pass into Ince who drilled home.

Austin’s appeal for a foul and protestations at referee Drysale were futile.

Pools, in the second half, didn’t attack with as much impact or create enough chances to really test the home back four.

After McSweeney was deliberately fouled by Krystian Pearce, his free-kick was eventually panicked away by the home back four.

To try and instigate some openings, James Brown replaced the industrious Gamble.

Horwood, after a piece of different control on the left, fired a raking 60-yard pass for the advancing McSweeney.

Moving at pace, he cut inside, but fired over the bar.

Pools’ disadvantage was doubled soon after. Davies’ peach of a cross from the right was every but as tasty as Brown’s which brought Pools’ third goal at the weekend. And Lee Miller, on loan from Middlesbrough and overall ineffective, headed in from close range.

Then Adam Boyd and Armann Bjornsson were introduced as Wadsworth really went for broke.

Monkhouse almost set up Boyd for a simple chance, but it didn’t happen and, the Magpies nabbed a third, Westcarr’s shot from the edge of the area cracked into the net.

Matchfacts

Goals: Ince (44, 1-0); Miller (70, 2-0); Westcarr (78, 3-0)

Bookings: Austin (49, foul); Haslam (77, foul); Monkhouse (87, foul)

Referee: Darren Drysdale (Lincoln) 4

Attendance: 6,285

Entertainment: ✰✰✰

NOTTS COUNTY (4-4-2):

Burch 6 (Nelson 13, 5), Darby 5, Edwards 7, Pearce 7, Harley 6; Judge 5 (Ravenhill 62, 5), Bishop 7, INCE 8, Davies 7, Westcarr 7 (Hughes, 82), Miller 5.

Subs (not used): Lee, Thompson, Hawley, Burgess.

HARTLEPOOL UNITED (4-5-1):

Kean 5; Austin 4, Haslam 6, Hartley 6, Horwood 6; MCSWEENEY 7 (Bjornsson 73), Liddle 6, Gamble 6 (Brown 66, 5), Sweeney 5, Monkhouse 5; Humphreys 6 (Boyd 73).

Subs (not used): Rafferty, Yantorno, Murray, Larkin.

MAN OF THE MATCH

THOMAS Ince – good in possession when he roamed around from the flank.