HARTLEPOOL is famed for the alleged story of the monkey that was hung by locals on suspicion of it being a spy after the little critter hopped off a ship in the town’s port. The legend goes that the monkey was dressed in a French military uniform for the amusement of the officers aboard the vessel. He was spotted and after a short trial, where it is unlikely he was able to properly argue his case, the monkey was executed.

This afternoon the people of Hartlepool were left wondering if they had once again been mistaken after spotting a Premier League badge on the arm of the Stoke City players. After a quick check in the matchday programme the locals were surprised to learn the opponents were indeed from the top flight.

There are 40 league places between the Potters and manager-less Hartlepool but on this afternoon’s woeful effort you really wouldn’t know it. For the second time in a week Stoke will no doubt be grabbing the headlines, again, for all the wrong reasons. The eyes of the footballing world have been on the Potteries for the aftermath of Ricardo Fuller’s sending off against West Ham. And once again rival fans can have a chuckle at Stoke, after the team weakly tumbled from the FA Cup after a sorry showing against a League One side. Just what makes Stoke so rattled on their travels is becoming a little more than a passing concern. Today’s opponents have won just eight games so far this season but were able to out-battle Stoke without ever looking really tested.

The game was played like a pre-season friendly, and someone should have told the Stoke players that this game was worth a little more than that. Another reminder to them that the entrance fee and travel paid by the loyal City fans was slightly more than what they would shell out for a friendly. This fixture was an opportunity for several fringe players to stamp their mark, but sadly grasping the opportunity presented to them was not done. This afternoon’s midfield was one of the most attacking Stoke have fielded all season, but the Potters looked anything but possessing a cutting edge. Both Michael Tonge and Tom Soares have developed reputations for being good impact players who can add a new dimension to games, but they looked totally out of sorts and unable to really test the Hartlepool midfield. But any ammunition they could have supplied the forward line may not have resulted in putting the Hartlepool defence under real pressure. With Richard Cresswell suspended, Dave Kitson still recovering from injury and Ricardo Fuller suspended, Tony Pulis asked Rory Delap to roll back the years to pair Vincent Pericard up front.

Delap, who was used as a forward during his Derby County days, did as requested and worked hard to try and put the home team under some pressure during the first half where the pace he showed certainly defied his years. Sadly his partner failed to muster the same edge and Stoke supporters it seems are running out of patience with Pericard after some sarcastic cheers went up whenever the French striker won the ball. It was a very frustrating game for Stoke supporters who once again showed their loyalty by taking up the majority of the away end for today’s game.

With Christmas, New Year celebrations, and the much-discussed credit crunch hitting everyone’s wallets, the Stoke fans still made the 170-mile trip from the Potteries to Victoria Park. And by half-time many must have wished they had stayed in Staffordshire or heading to the back of the ground to watch the skateboarders and BMX enthusiasts show off their tricks on a nearby skate park. At least they would have witnessed some skill and excitement.

The second-half was as un-entertaining as the first, unless you’re a Hartlepool fan of course. After falling behind, the manager reshuffled the pack by throwing on Liam Lawrence and Dave Kitson. Lawrence appears to be recovering well from his injury and was constantly looking to push on and take the ball past the Hartlepool defence. With no disrespect to the home team, Stoke should have been looking to take on their players and show everyone the reason they are in the top flight.

It’s not often supporters will admit rival fans have a point, but when the Hartlepool support began to belt out another rendition of “Premier League…you’re having a laugh”, which was met with many Stokies shrugging their shoulders in unhappy agreement as the game went from bad to worse. Few could argue that it was Hartlepool that thoroughly deserve their passage into the fourth round of the FA Cup. They wanted this game far more than Stoke and noone could begrudge them a potentially money spinning tie. Perhaps the next time they get a Premier League team, their supporters will actually see a team who do play in the top flight.

As supporters filed out of the ground, a few Stoke players sheepishly trotted onto the pitch for their warm down and instead of being met with the customary applause there were a few jeers and choice words aimed at them. With the transfer window now open, many supporters were left drawing up their own list of targets to rejuvenate the Potters as the team can now solely focus on retaining their place in the top flight. As PR exercises go, Pulis will have to be ready to use all the wheeling and dealing tricks he can muster to sell the club to potential new players. Anyone keeping an eye on the Potters over the Christmas period will have seen players fighting among themselves and then showing no fight at all to slide out of the FA Cup without even a shout. And it isn’t just new players the manager will have to sell the club to, the ones at the club could do with some motivational speeches as the Premier League leaders, Liverpool, are heading to the Britannia Stadium in a week’s time. One plus point from today is noone was sent off. Sadly the eleven players on the pitch may as well have been off it.