We're coming toward the end of our look back on last season and March proved to be a pretty interesting month both on and off the pitch.
Making The Headlines
It was a busy month on the transfer front for Craig Hignett as he strengthened his hand for the run-in but also kept in mind his plans for the future.
In came Canada international David Edgar on a short-term deal, while Gavan Holohan finally received international clearance following his move to the Club.
Next through the door was young midfielder Adam Bale, who had impressed Hignett during his time in training with the Club following his release from Sunderland.
Meanwhile, Youth Team defender Luca Murphy was signed by Fulham, while Luke James made an England C debut against Wales and H’Angus made an eye-catching appearance on The One Show.
Just a regular month, then!
High Point
When Pools went in at half-time 2-0 down to Dover Athletic on home soil you could forgive the fans for expressing their displeasure – but by the full-time whistle there was a completely different emotion.
Typically, Craig Hignett threw caution completely to the wind during the second period though it took until the 70th minute for a lifeline when Bobby-Joe Taylor handled in the area and Josh Hawkes fired home the penalty.
Incredibly, just three minutes later the referee pointed to the spot again after Luke James was brought down in the box and again Hawkes did the honours from twelve yards to send the home crowd wild.
Suddenly there was a sense that Pools could even snatch all three points and they continued to press forward looking for a winning goal.
However, that left space at the back and Scott Loach made a terrific save to deny Josh Debayo and, as the ball fell loose on the edge of the area, James shovelled it forward for Hawkes. He drove forward in to the Dover area and fed Luke Molyneux, who guided a brilliant finish in to the bottom corner to set off pandemonium at The Super 6 Stadium.
Low Point
Pools had conceded only three goals from corners all season before their trip to Eastleigh on the final day of March – and then they managed to concede from three all in one afternoon.
Pools were behind inside two minutes when they switched off to allow Ben Williamson to rifle home from a clever right-wing corner move but Mark Kitching levelled on six minutes after Luke James’ shot came back to him off a post.
Alex Wynter got a run on his man to nod the home side back in front just before the quarter-hour mark before Shaun Hobson scored from another corner three minutes in to the second half.
Nicke Kabamba gave Pools hope of another comeback when he nodded home a brilliant goal on 71 minutes but, despite some pressure late on, Pools couldn’t find another way through and lost 3-2.
Goal Of The Month Winner
Luke Molyneux’s stoppage-time decider against Eastleigh was voted as Pools’ best goal of the month – probably as much for the moment as for the move and the finish.
Hignett’s men had been making a habit of giving themselves mountains to climb but the comeback against Dover was a memorable one and Molyneux’s clinical low finish was worthy of recognition.
Points Gained: 7
Goals Scored: 10
Starting Position: 13th
Finishing Position: 13th