Huddersfield 2 Hartlepool 1

Nov 22 2009 Sunday Sun

POOLS’ five-match unbeaten run was ended with defeat in a thrilling game at Hudders- field.

Chris Turner’s side were forced on to the back foot and defended superbly for long periods, but it counted for nothing as the home side, bossed by former Newcastle and Sunderland schemer Lee Clark, edged the result.

The game was non-stop from start to finish, both play-off-chasing sides giving everything. But the Terriers’ incessant second-half pressure paid off as two goals in 11 minutes turned the game around after Gary Liddle opened the scoring in the first half.

Pools took the lead when Neil Austin put a free-kick deep into the penalty area from the left side behind the defence and Liddle raced in to powerfully head into the net past keeper Alex Smithies.

It was his first goal since March 2008 and within two minutes, Pools could have been two goals to the good.

Colin Larkin broke down the right side in space and his delicate chip to the far post found Adam Boyd.

He peeled off his marker to head back across and beyond Smithies, only for Peter Clarke to get back on to the goalline to block and right back Lee Peltier was on hand to make sure.