Pools played out an open game with Scunthorpe United at Billingham Town this afternoon.

Goals from David Foley, James Brown who came through all ninety-minutes and a late deflected Matty Robson goal saw Ian Butterworth's side share the points.

The early chances went Pools' way with James Brown prominent in all positive attacks by the hosts. First, the returning winger cut inside of his man from the left before curling a shot just too high and then, with ten minutes on the clock, he saw a well-struck left footed shot turned away excellently by the visiting keeper.

The pressure told on the quarter-hour mark when Stephen Turnbull's ball inside was spun on by David Foley, who drove into the edge of the box before drilling a left-footed shot past the helpless keeper.

The lead didn't last long though, as Scunthorpe roared back into the game.

A long ball over the top caught the Pools' defence static and Jon Forte raced clear and volleyed over Jan Budtz to draw level.

It wasn't long before Scunthorpe took the lead as the Pools' defence looked ever more nervous by the minute. Peter Winn ran on to a long ball and in on the left side of the penalty area, cleverly cutting inside of Craig Gott before producing a steady finish past Jan Budtz.

Most chances were arriving for the visitors now and Jan Budtz had to be alert to save from Forte after more sloppy defending by Ian Butterworth's side.

Matty Robson had a shot from a free kick which flashed just wide of the post and then when he was fed in by a clever reverse ball from Brown, Robson's low cross evaded everyone in the box.

Foley dragged a shot wide of target while Winn had another good strike turned round the post by Budtz as an open first half came to its conclusion.

Pools wasted no time in getting the equaliser in the second half and were back on level terms when Neale McDermott lifted a well-weighted pass over the defence to release James Brown who lofted a lovely left-footed lob over the advancing keeper and into the back of the net.

Pools were in the ascendancy for most of the second period with Brown teasing the Scunthorpe defence at every given opportunity and Robson looking a menace down the left flank. His pile driver was acrobatically turned over by the keeper and the winger was denied once again moments later when the keeper deflected wide his low drive.

Despite their pressure, Pools couldn't find a way through and were made to pay five minutes from time when Forte escaped down the left side on the penalty box and cut the ball back for Tomi Ameobi who side-footed home with an easy finish.

However, the goals were not finished there and Matty Robson got the reward his hard work and energetic display had deserved with a late equaliser. His low drive looked to be going into the net anyway but the covering defender made sure when he put the ball into the back of his own net.

Full Time: Pools 3 Scunthorpe United 3