Adam Campbell scored an equaliser for the second consecutive Saturday to clinch a 1-1 draw for Hartlepool United.
The super-sub struck in the 68th minute at Maidenhead United to earn interim boss Lennie Lawrence a deserved point in his first match in charge following the midweek departure of Darren Sarll.
It was a fine effort after the break by the Sky Blues, who were second best in the first half after falling behind to a Sam Barratt penalty on the half-hour.
Lawrence made three changes from Tuesday’s Emirates FA Cup exit, recalling captain Luke Waterfall, midfielder Greg Sloggett and on-loan Crystal Palace winger Roshaun Mathurin.
There was a bright start from Pools, who were desperately unlucky not to be in front following a fifth-minute corner.
Tom Parkes shot his sweetly-hit shot strike the keeper’s left stick but Mani Dieseruvwe was unable to connect cleanly with the rebound.
Brad Young was called into action for the first time in the 13th minute when he dived to turn Reece Smith’s shot wide of his left post.
Pools continue to threaten and there was another chance in the 16th minute when Joe Grey nodded down for Nathan Sheron in the area with home keeper Craig Ross getting down well to save.
But the hosts took the lead in the 31st minute.
Waterfall took too long to effect a clearance from a corner, allowing Will De Havilland to nick in, with the home defender being fouled by the skipper.
Referee Gareth Rhodes had no hesitation in pointing to the spot, with Sam Barratt thumping home down the middle with his left peg.
There was a clear early chance for Maidenhead to double their lead at the start of the second half when Casey Pettit played in James Golding only for the midfielder to shoot tamely at Young.
Lawrence sent on Luke Charman and Campbell in the 57th minute for Mathurin and Sloggett and there was soon an instant chance for Campbell who saw a free-kick from the edge of the area cannon off the wall.
Grey blasted high over after good work from Dieseruvwe and Campbell, and it was to be his last contribution as he made way for a third away sub in Anthony Mancini.
The Frenchman’s curling left footer appeared destined for Ross’s goal only for the home captain to dive full length to his right. The goalie soon showed his strength at his near post when he beat out a rasping Mancini shot.
But he was finally beaten in the 68th minute when Campbell scored from the edge of the area from Mancini’s resulting corner.
Mancini was proving very lively and 15 minutes from time shot over from distance after good interchange with Diesreruvwe and Campbell.
Both sides were committed to attack in the latter stages but after no further goals, a draw was a fair result.
Pools: Young, Dodds, Waterfall, Parkes, Ferguson; Sheron, Sloggett (Campbell 57′), Featherstone, Grey (Mancini 64′), Dieseruvwe, Mathurin (Charman 57′)
Subs (not used): Smith, Sass-Davies, Robinson, Asiimwe
