Hartlepool United Women produced a spirited second-half performance to secure a 1–1 draw away at Berwick Rangers, with Head Coach Ben Garrity praising his side’s response after a difficult opening 45 minutes.
The game proved to be a “tale of two halves,” as Pools struggled early on before rallying strongly after the break.
“I think Sunday’s game was a classic tale of two halves,” coach Garrity said. “We struggled to get out of our half first half and unfortunately put ourselves under pressure with giving the ball away too cheaply.”
Despite those struggles, Pools still managed to create several clear opportunities and could have been comfortably ahead before the interval.
“We did however still create chances, and on another day could’ve been 3–0 up by half time, but I think we knew from the first half it was going to be one of those days we struggled to find the back of the net.”
At the break, the message from the coaching staff was clear: raise the intensity and deliver a reaction.
“At half time we asked the girls for a reaction and to lift it an extra five to ten percent and that’s exactly what they did,” he explained. “They came out of the blocks flying and it was really pleasing to see the work rate and desire from everyone, bench included, throughout the second half.”
Pools’ persistence paid off when Caitlin Bates found the equaliser with a clinical finish, bringing the visitors back on level terms and setting up a strong final push for victory.
“Caitlin Bates scored the equaliser with an excellent finish, and we really made it hard for them but unfortunately couldn’t find that final bit of quality to get over the line to take all three points.”
While the side ultimately had to settle for a draw, the coach was pleased with the attitude shown after half-time and believes that level of application will be vital in the weeks ahead.
“It was really pleasing to see the reaction from the girls in the second half and it’s exactly the attitude and application we’re going to need in all our games from now until the end of the season.”
Attention now turns to a challenging upcoming fixture against league leaders Birtley Town.
“We’ll be working hard in training this week to make sure we’re fully prepared for our match against the league leaders Birtley Town this week.”
