Hartlepool United 0 Norwich City 2

Aug 30 2009 Sunday Sun

HARTLEPOOL United paid the price for a collective off-day, as former defender Micky Nelson haunted his former club.

After exiting Victoria Park this summer for Norwich City, Nelson put his new side in front with a spectacular overhead kick in the first-half.

And he was rarely troubled all day as his side eased to victory.

It was only Nelson’s second appearance of the season. After making his debut in the opening day 7-1 humbling he has been forced to look on from the sidelines.

But he won’t have many more comfortable afternoons than this.

And the result means that Pool have now lost four games in front of their own fans this season.

“It was a poor game from start to finish,” said Turner.

“Both sides struggled to pass and play positive football.

“They took advantage of a mistake for Nelson to score and the second came from our own set piece.

“Everything that was good on Tuesday was poor today. Our back four and keeper kept up their standards, but the midfield and forwards didn’t.

“The two best players on the park were Grant Holt and Stephen Hughes. We couldn’t handle them.

“Norwich City took their chances well and will finish in the top six this season.”