Hartlepool United FC 2 : 2 Newport County - Murray off the mark at Hartlepool

Posted Sunday, November 02, 2014 by PA

Boss Paul Murray collected his first Sky Bet League Two point at the helm of struggling Hartlepool after they came from behind to draw 2-2 with 10-man Newport.

Michael Duckworth scored with three minutes left to complete a comeback after they fell 2-0 behind to the Exiles.

It appeared another miserable afternoon was in the offing for Murray, who lost his first game in charge 2-1 at Cambridge last week, when Chris Zebroski and Aaron O'Connor netted either side of half-time for County.

But Andy Sandell's 66th minute sending off changed the complexion of the game and Brad Walker pulled a goal back.

Having started well, Pools found themselves behind when a misplaced Jonathan Franks back-pass fell into the path of Zebroski, who rounded Scott Flinders before slotting home.

Newport doubled their lead through O'Connor, who picked up a loose ball, raced 20 yards to finish beyond Flinders.

The home fans sensed a glimmer of hope when Sandell saw red for violent conduct and their optimism was enhanced when Walker rifled in from 25 yards.

And Duckworth secured a share of the spoils in the 87th minute, producing a clever lifted finish at the end of a superb run.