We begin our summer series reflecting on the past campaign with a look back on the opening month of 2018/19.
Making The Headlines
The big news of August came off the pitch as the Club announced a landmark sponsorship deal with Sky Bet which saw Victoria Park renamed as The Super 6 Stadium.
Meanwhile, midfielder Jack Munns left the Club following the mutual cancellation of his contract, while Luke Williams penned a Pools deal after proving himself in training.
High Point
Whilst victories over Maidenhead United and Dagenham & Redbridge were very welcome, the battling nature of Pools’ 1-0 triumph over Chesterfield on Bank Holiday Monday brought extra satisfaction.
The Spireites had got off to a flying start following their relegation but Pools simply refused to be bullied by their visitors and Nicky Featherstone’s 17th-minute goal proved the difference in a compelling contest.
It was a win which saw Pools move in to eighth spot in the table and keep in touch with the early pace-setters during what had been an encouraging opening month.
Low Point
Having completely bossed the game, Pools somehow managed to return from a punishing midweek trip to Braintree Town with just a single point for their efforts.
Matthew Bates’ men had already missed a penalty when Niko Muir scored from close range on 25 minutes and it looked as though the floodgates would open.
However, despite dominating again after the break, Pools were undone in injury time when Mo Bettamer fired in a leveller to hand the hosts an unlikely share of the spoils.
Goal Of The Month Winner
Midfield man Nicky Featherstone is not really famed for his goal scoring – but he hit the net twice in consecutive home games to help Pools to wins over Maidenhead United and Chesterfield.
His exquisite chipped goal to win the points against The Magpies was rightly crowned as the top strike of August – it was an absolute beauty.
Points Gained: 12
Goals Scored: 9
Starting Position: N/A
Finishing Position: 8th