Hartlepool United, who played an hour with 10 men, were forced to settle for a draw at home to Braintree Town on Saturday, in an afternoon where Darren Sarll’s side created a plethora of chances.

Sarll made two changes to his side that were defeated late at Woking on Bank Holiday Monday. Pools skipper Luke Waterfall returned to the backline and Greg Sloggett made his first start for the Club, while new signing Gary Madine was named on the bench.

Pools pressed early and started strong. Joe Grey had a penalty shout waved away and, in the seventh minute, Nathan Sheron rattled the inside of the post.

The action sprung into life around the half-hour mark. Braintree nearly opened the scoring as John Akinde challenged Joel Dixon in the air and Inih Effiong slotted the ball around the Pools keeper, only for Kieron Freeman to clear off the line.

Seconds later, Mani Dieseruvwe tested Luca Covolan at his front post, while Nicky Featherstone forced the Brazilian into a fingertip save from distance.

Dixon, who picked up an injury from the Akinde challenge, was forced off the field in the 32nd minute with Adam Smith making his debut in the Pools goal.

And three minutes later, Pools were reduced to ten men. Waterfall was shown a straight red card, having left his arm out while attacking a corner.

Despite having a man less, Pools looked strong throughout the second half.

Dieseruvwe bundled the ball agonisingly wide of the near post, while Adam Campbell forced a fingertip save from a free-kick and substitute Louis Stephenson fired a chance wide.

Sarll’s side were forced to settle for a point at The Prestige Group Stadium, and now turn their focus to next weekend’s home fixture against Halifax Town.

Pools: Dixon (Smith 32’), Freeman (Sass-Davies 46’), Parkes, Ferguson, Sheron, Featherstone, Sloggett, Campbell (Mancini 78’), Grey (Stephenson 90+2’), Dieseruvwe (Madine 78’)

Subs (not used): Onariase, Robinson