Manni Norkett scored his first goal in Boston United colours as the Pilgrims fought back to earn a point at Hartlepool United on Wednesday evening.
United trailed to Luke Charman’s angled opener on 23 minutes but kept themselves in the contest and secured a share of the spoils nine minutes after the break when Norkett finished sharply.
Pools had the clearer chances overall – but the Pilgrims defended resolutely and were good value for their point at Victoria Park.
Norkett was handed his first start in United colours ahead of kick-off – with Jacob Scott and Jordy Hiwula also included from the off.
Scott went close to an opening goal from the Pilgrims – attacking Michael Kelly’s corner and seeing his header deflected over the bar for another flag-kick.
Hartlepool responded strongly with Jamie Miley heading on to the crossbar before they took the lead just past the mid-point of the half when CHARMAN curled home a beauty from inside the penalty area.
Rhys Lovett produced a terrific save to deny Alex Reid three minutes after the break – and it laid the platform for United’s leveller six minutes later. Scott’s long throw was only partially cleared and after being returned by Hiwula and then Jordan Richards, NORKETT spun beautifully to beat Harvey Cartwright in the Pools’ goal.
Boston sub Lenell John-Lewis had a speculative effort fly off target late on, with Hartlepool sub Danny Johnson rattling the crossbar and Reiss McNally having a last-gasp effort ruled out for handball.
Hartlepool (4-2-3-1): Harvey Cartwright; Nathan Sheron, Reiss McNally, Tom Parkes, Cameron John; Jamie Miley, Brad Walker (Nicky Featherstone 87); Jermaine Francis (Sam Folarin 79), Matt Daly (Danny Johnson 79), Luke Charman (Besart Topollaj 82); Alex Reid. Subs (not used): Jack Hunter, Campbell Darcy, Adam Smith (gk).
Boston (3-4-1-2): Rhys Lovett; Jacob Scott (Rocco Coyle 70), Connor Teale, Alex Lankshear; Ben Grist, Jordan Richards, Greg Sloggett, Michael Kelly; Dylan Hill; Jordy Hiwula (Lenell John-Lewis 83), Manni Norkett (Luca Alonzi 73). Subs (not used): Arjan Raikhy, Billy Bradley, Bobby Jones (gk).
Referee: Andrew Miller.
Attendance: 3,263 (126 visitors).
PIC: Chris Bray.
