Hartlepool hold League One Gillingham to FA Cup draw

Posted Sunday, November 11, 2018 by PA

National League side Hartlepool deservedly earned a replay against League One Gillingham after playing out a goalless draw in Kent.

Pools captain Liam Noble wasted the best chance to put his side into the second round for the fourth time in six years, shooting straight at Gills goalkeeper Tomas Holy from 12 yards when unmarked in the box.

Holy produced an excellent reaction save to keep out Ryan Donaldson’s volley after 53 minutes and was equal to Nicky Featherstone’s speculative attempt from 25 yards.

Defender Carl Magnay dragged a low shot off-target late on after patient build-up play from the visitors.

Steve Lovell’s side, who sit 40 places about their opponents, struggled to break down a dogged Hartlepool defence throughout.

Their best chance came 15 seconds after the break but Brandon Hanlan’s low attempt flew inches past the post.

Leading scorer Tom Eaves headed wide from Luke O’Neill’s cross after 13 minutes and Hanlan’s darting run into the box ended before he could get his shot away.

Max Ehmer gave Hartlepool goalkeeper Scott Loach an easy save with a header on the hour before Myles Anderson bravely blocked Mark Byrne’s powerful drive from close range.