Match Report

It was back to Victoria Park where Hartlepool last played host to Motherwell in 1992. Last time out ‘Well secured victory thanks to two goals from Stevie Kirk it was different story this time. ‘Well lined up at the much changed Victoria Park with French trialist David Nouma playing central defence after receiving clearance to play at the last minute. The info we have on the first half is rather scant as your roving reporter made an absolute pigs ear of trying to get to Hartlepool and made it to the ground just as teams were coming out…..for the start of the second half.

What we did learn from other travelling ‘Well fans was that the home side had former ‘Well striker Paul Baker back in their ranks and went in front after eight minutes. ‘Well responded and striker John Hendry netted an equaliser just before the break. Hendry also had a goal disallowed and Willie Falconer brought out a tremendous save from Hartlepool keeper Steven Harper as ‘Well gained the upper hand.

The second half typically saw no further scoring though Motherwell did impress with the way they kept possession and passed the ball around. Once again though that cutting was just missing and although Burns, Christie, McCulloch and Hendry all had efforts on goal the winner didn’t come. Scott Howie had a couple of good saves in goals and Brian Martin and Greg Denham looked solid in defence so Motherwell never ever looked like losing this one. And with that the north of England tour came to a close with ‘Well registering draws each of their three games. There undoubtedly be some concern amongst Motherwell fans at the fact we failed to beat any of the sides we played however I suppose no matter the scorelines they are just friendlies after all and we’d much rather win league games than friendlies.

Match report taken from Motherwell vs St Johnstone Programme (16th August 1997 issue)

Facts

Highlights