Hartlepool United claimed a good draw against Sutton after Tom Crawford’s second-half equaliser. The midfielder’s first Pools goal cancelled out Kizzi’s early header to stretch Pools’ unbeaten run in the league to seven games.
The match started in the worst-possible way as the visitors took the lead through Joe Kizzi. The wing-back found space in the box and planted his header beyond Killip to open the scoring.
Pools looked to hit back, but a lack of fluency meant that their chances were limited to snapshots. They went closest through Molyneux, but the on-form forward saw his strike cannon back off the post with Bouzanis beaten. Sutton also had a chance to double their lead, but Bugiel misjudged the flight of the ball and it ran behind.
A cagey opening to the second half saw both teams battle well, and it was Pools who to the impetus. After Morris kept a corner alive, Francis-Angol swung a good ball into the box for Crawford. The midfielder took the ball down and slammed it beyond Bouzanis for the equaliser and his first Pools goal.
The goal galvanised Graeme Lee’s side, with Morris, Crawford, and Featherstone starting to move the ball more confidently. Morris in particular looked in the mood, striking from distance but seeing Bouzanis in his way.
Joe White’s mazy run created another chance, but Featherstone couldn’t quite find Bogle with the cross and Sutton rebuilt with a goal-kick.
Morris continued to impress in midfield before being replaced by Fletcher after a knock, and Pools fans will be hopeful that the change was only a precaution.
Killip claimed well from Beautyman’s feet in the closing minutes and Odusina marshalled Randall to ensure that Pools earned a good point against a strong Sutton side.
Pools XI: Killip; Ogle, Byrne, Odusina, Francis-Angol; Morris (Fletcher 81), Featherstone, Molyneux, Crawford, White (Carver 68); Bogle
Unused Subs: Bilokapic, Hull, Liddle, Shelton, Holohan