Well, well, well.

A triumph for work rate, disciplined shape, stout defending and for an hour you read it first hear Featherstone and Noble had us playing like Brazil, yes Brazil.

2 suspensions resulted in a 4-4-2 with Donaldson tucking back in to help Richardson and a good old fashioned 2 banks of 4. The Gills much vaunted improvement led to them going sideways, then reverting to the long 'Danny Wilson' diagonals which found touch more times than England at Twickenham. This was due to our disciplined shape. We let them have the ball in their own half, especially the 2 centre backs, then closed everything else down typified in the first 10 minutes when Kenton chased their woeful left back down and sent him back 50 yards to his own goal.

We should have scored first half after several first time passes, including 3 in their box, landing at the feet of Mclaughlin and I think he helped it on to someone else who could not beat the keeper. At that stage we were trying to walk it in so good were we at keeping the ball. Loach and Noble in particular shouting encouragement and keep it calm instructions when on the ball, as well as expert 'coaching' instructions from myself and a few others in the stand!

I honestly think they had 2 dangerous chances all game the rest of their pot shots troubled the empty blue seats.

The team bus did arrive at the ground and so did the Pools coaches. Hats off to Ged, Ross and Bates plus of course the magnificent players for the most disciplined performance I have seen in years from a Pools side.

Rating this week, not rantings............

Loach 6 Had to make 1 good catch from a cross and near post second half save the rest of the time smoking cigars! His kicking was good too!
Richardson 7 nervy start for 10 minutes when unsure whether to attack the ball or drop off but then choose to attack the ball all game and did it well. Very good in the air and did well against Eames who is a very good number 9
Magnay 10 - not the tallest defender, but simply won everything, 2 brilliant interceptions second half reminded me of a robust Billy Ayre type performance, attack the first ball mentality and there will be no need for a second ball policy, because he booted or headed it 30 yards clear every time. The best game of his life in a Pools shirt maybe ever!
Anderson 7 some very good interceptions and simple 'play the way you are facing' defending even if it meant just clearing your lines into the stand.
Kitching 7 best game for Pools I have seen him play. Much more aggressive, won some good tackles and passed it calmly. Please encourage him as his confidence visibly grew in this game
Donaldson 7 ran really hard stealing the ball a couple of times first half and proved a useful outlet and good at interlinking play
Featherstone 9 blow me got caught once on the ball second half other than that passed it liked Pirlo, into feet every time, especially first half. Seriously first half he bossed the game. He also gave away a foul! Super performance. The best midfielder on the park by a country mile. Keep sending him on cross country runs Mr Bates let us keep his improved cough 'fitness' up.
Noble 8 played a great percentage game, simple 5 yard passes and when necessary just helped the ball on into the channels for James to attack, in the ref's ear with every 50:50 decision and masterly laid down prone still and injured to time waste late on, then promptly got back to his feet in the dying seconds and deliberately found row J. Well done on his passing today.
McLaughlin 7 hardly gave the ball away and for not the most physical player worked hard covering with Kitching and got forward in the good first half move of contributing several passes that nearly resulted in a goal.
James 6 certainly not 'Lucky Luke' but tried ever so hard with zero protection for the portly ref.
Dinanga 6 worked hard and has a turn on him, a couple of pot shots high and not too handsome, but showed well for the ball and held it up.

Subs

O'Neill 6 Slight lad, but has some pace and took an early left foot shot, but 2 great lay offs initially he was surprised at the physicality of central defenders
Muir 6 One excellent bit of hold up and interchange with O'Neill just did not have the pace to get onto the super through ball
I do not think Newton touched the ball

The 126 of whatever it was faithful who travelled 'coached' instructions, gave encouragement and provided the only chanting on what was a bleak afternoon for the Gills.
Bates, Ged and Ross plus the coach driver all did well. Even our fitness coach put our subs through their paces at half term better than the opposition.

Now watch Pools mess up the replay, but tonight you can be proud of a hard working, supremely disciplined team shape with everyone doing their job.

I may have a lemonade at the cricket club quiz tonight and hold my head up with the Maidstone United fans in our team who think they are world beaters because they dumped Macc out of the cup whilst I will be chanting 'its just like watching Brazil' .

Nice one, thanks for that ! Enjoy your Lemonade....

Great report, hopefully we carry it on and get a win next week

Thanks for that Balltofeet. Magnay and Noble had to have great/good games, and it sounds like they did.

never mind the game..Did anyone see Poolie of Kent ??