Pools Youth Team took a share of the spoils in their Youth Alliance game with Rotherham United on Saturday.

A strong performance from Micky Barron's side saw the game finish at 2-2.

A much-improved display from Pools saw over fifteen goalscoring opportunities created in the ninety minutes - a direct response to Barron's instruction after last week's disappointing defeat to Darlington.

Pools first chance of the game came after just five minutes of play when Darryl Scaife shot wide but ten minutes later and the opener did arrive.

Great approach play from Jack Sharples saw the defender slip the ball through for Scaife who shot low into the net.

Barron's side had more chances to add to their tally before the break with a Callum Martin freekick turned goalwards by Anthony Wakefield only to be deflected wide.

Marc Ellison also had a good chance with a twenty-yard shot which cannoned off the post.

Rotherham came out brighter after the break and put Pools under some pressure - grabbing an early equalizer.

But Barron's side regained the lead when the lively Billy Blackford cut in from the wing to unleash a screaming effort from 35-yards which flew into the back of the net.

There were more chances for Pools to add to the scoresheet with Tom Marron seeing his volley saved and Lee Mason hitting the post with one effort before seeing another cleared off the line.

Scaife shot wide from twelve yards before Marc Ellison saw a shot blocked late in the game as Pools looked to put the game out of reach.

But the missed chances came back to haunt Pools in injury time when a Rotherham header hit the bar and bounced down - the linesman then made the dubious decision of awarding a goal, insisting the ball had crossed the line.

A disappointing end to a strong game by Pools and a performance from which Barron will take plenty of positives.

Rotherham United 2 Pools 2

Pools: Thomas, Sharples, Purvis, Ellison, Marron, Johnson, Martin, Charlton (Liddle), Sciafe, Wakefield (Mason), Blackford
Subs Not Used: Quantrill, McRoberts, Mooney