So here goes:
Bournemouth - Hartlepool 15th September 2012
The game was held in Bournemouth at the newly named Goldsands Stadium. The ground is a nice and tidy little ground with the only downside of having 3 sides. The food was standard pies and hotdogs and hot and cold drinks. The matchday programme was ok and I thought it had a nice bit on the Pools in it. The staff at the ground were helpful and polite. The ticket price on the turnstile was £20.00.
So, for my first question and answer section I have been lucky enough to ask James Poole from the Hartlepool squad.
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Question 1. Do you think Pools are good enough for all 3 points this game?
Answer 1. Yes of course. We showed last year we are capable of a result and all the lads are thinking exactly the same. Bournemouth are a strong side but we will go into it going for the win.
Question 2. If staying fit and in the team on a regular basis what would you like your seasons goal target?
Answer 2. I just want to stay fit this season and if I do the goals will come. I don't set numbers exactly but I would like to aim for about 15 goals this season.
Question 3. Where honestly do you think Pools will finish in the league this season?
Answer 3. I think we have a stronger side than last season and the aim is always to improve on last season. I thought we were better than last seasons finish so top half has to be our aim.
Question 4. Finally do you have any pre match superstitions?
Answer 4. I hop onto the pitch with my left foot for some strange reason. Don't know why but it has stuck. It is the only one I have.
I also asked our resident mascot H'angus the Monkey, and Hartlepool fan Kayleigh Thompson 3 questions.
Question 1. What is your score prediction for Bournemouth v Hartlepool this match?
Answer 1.
H'angus - 2-1 Pools
Kayleigh Thompson - 3-2 Pools
Question 2. Who is your favourite Hartlepool player?
Answer 2.
H'angus - All of them!
Kayleigh Thompson - Paul Murray or Peter Hartley I can't decide
Question 3. Where do you think we will finish this season?
Answer 3.
H'angus - Top 10
Kayleigh Thompson - In or around the playoffs I hope
My final questions went to Hartlepool Press Officer and Pools Commentator Mark Simpson.
Question 1. What ground are you most looking forward to visiting with Pools this season?
Answer 1. I've not been to Portsmouth so I'm looking forward to the trip to Fratton Park, even though it will be a long one. I'm also looking forward to going back to Coventry because that's a really fantastic stadium to visit.
Question 2. Do you think we can keep up our recent success against Bournemouth and come away with all 3 points.
Answer 2. I hope so. We've done well there in recent times and scored some pretty spectacular goals too. I think we'll have to be strong in defence but I fancy us to nick a goal or two on the break, so I'll go for a 2-1 win.
Question 3. If James Poole stays fit, do you believe if he's played up front he can be the answer to our goal scoring problem?
Answer 3. Definitely. He's scored some great goals since joining the club so hopefully there are plenty more to come. He's got loads of talent.
Question 4. Where do you predict Pools will finish this season?
Answer 4. I'll say 10th. Steady progress has to be our aim and if we can finish in the top half and build again next year that would be ideal.
So yesterdays game ended AFC Bournemouth 1-1 Hartlepool United
The game did not have many chances first half and a well organised and solid, hard working Pools team kept the Cherries at bay. Bournemouth were greeted with a few boo's by their own fans at half time so I think in a way testament to Pools on stifling one of this seasons stats as one of the sides who have created loads of chances in each game. The second half and Pools looked a threat on the break and played some good football of their own, with the Cherries putting Pools under pressure but looking out of ideas it was Pools who took the lead in the 73rd minute. Evan Horwood unfairly tackled in the box and the returning Simon Walton, who I thought had a great game, calmly slotted then penalty away, but with nearly the last kick of the ball Matt Tubbs finished from close range to give the hosts an unlikely share of the spoils. A fantastic all round team performance from pools to make a good Bournemouth side look nothing more than average.
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| Simon Walton scoring from the spot |
A massive thanks to James Poole, Mark Simpson, H'angus the Monkey and super Hartlepool fan Kayleigh Thompson for helping with my Q and A's this week.
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