Head coach Gareth Horwood saluted his Hartlepool United Women’s side for clinching a 1-1 draw at leaders Norton & Stockton Ancients Reserves on Sunday, but felt they deserved more.

The 1-1 draw leaves Pools in eighth place in NERWFL North, three points above the relegation zone with seven games to play.

Libbie Trainor had given Pools the lead at Norton Sports Complex, only for the home team to level from a disputed free-kick.

“It was an afternoon of mixed emotions,” explained Horwood.

“We were pleased to secure a point against strong opposition in Norton Reserves, but there was a feeling we could have taken all three.

“Given the quality of the opposition and the challenge we faced, a draw was a respectable result.

“But considering how the game unfolded and the manner in which we conceded, there’s a sense within the squad that we left something behind.”

The first half proved an even contest, with both teams battling for control.

Pools struck first through Trainor, whose relentless pressing forced an error from the keeper, with Libbie capitalising by tapping the ball into an empty net.

From that point, Norton began to apply pressure as they searched for a way back into the game.

Pools’ composure in possession wavered during a frantic period in the middle third, with both sides pressing aggressively.

They held out, but it was from one of these chaotic exchanges that trouble struck.

An attempted clearance led to a frantic moment inside the six-yard area with the Pools keeper picking up the ball instead of clearing it. The referee judged it as a back pass, which looked a bit of a harsh call.

Norton took advantage, working the resulting indirect free-kick well to draw level, a scoreline that would remain unchanged until the final whistle.

“From a personal perspective, the perceived injustice of that decision seemed to fuel our determination in the second half,” added Gareth.

“The team showed impressive togetherness and commitment, pushing hard to reclaim the lead.

“As our recent form continues to improve, the rest of the league is beginning to take notice.

“This means our standards must remain high – we cannot afford to become complacent.

“It was a valuable point earned, but with the belief that there’s more to come.”

Veronica Snaith, playing out of position, was the sky blues’ player of the match while Trainor was the opposition’s pick as star player.

Pools are on the road again next weekend, with a trip to Wallsend Reserves who currently sit sixth in the table.