Pools Youth Team claimed a creditable 0-0 draw when they made the trip Hull City in the Youth Alliance League on Saturday.

Micky Barron's men were put under some sustained pressure at times by the talented Tigers outfit but remained strong and more than deserved their share of the points.

"We had to defend with determination in the early stages when Hull pushed us back but I was delighted with the way the lads stuck at it," Barron told us.

"Hull are a good team but we matched them for large parts of the game and I think we got stronger as the game went on and looked the more likely winners toward the end.

"The players are making good progress and if we can keep to this standard regularly then we should enjoy an excellent season," he added.

Pools had to weather an early storm from their hosts and could have fallen behind but for a magnificent last-ditch tackle from Chay Liddle to deny a certain goal.

Grant Herbert was protected well by those in front of him, notably Tom Marron and Paul Johnson, but the young keeper did pull off an excellent save to keep the scores level going in to half time.

Barron's men became more of an attacking threat after the break and Liddle saw a shot smartly saved after a clever turn, while the youngster also had a free-kick well turned away by the Hull keeper.

Daniel Johnson was also twice denied by the in-form City stopper as Pools pressed for a winner but this time it was Hull's turn to dig deep defensively.

Full Time: Hull City 0 Pools 0

Pools: Herbert, Purvis, Short, Sharples, P Johnson, Marron, Pearson (Selby), Liddle, Wakefield (Hassan), Mason (Dodds), D Johnson.
Subs not used: Rowbotham.