Think Kioso was unlucky to be dropped but given the overall display against Barnet I can see why Bates wanted to bring experienced defenders back in so somebody had to go.

I was raging last night but, truth be told, lots of refs play on a while if there has been time wasting during extra time and Loach did enough to get himself booked so an extra 60 or 90 seconds wasn't completely out of order.

On the plus side the players can be proud of themselves and that might give them a boost after the recent drop in form. We matched a League 1 over 180 minutes, scored three including one from a young, on loan striker, and we did have an away tie next so getting to the possible pot of gold in round 3 was far from guaranteed. Should also add that we can now 'concentrate on the league' although I hope we give the Trophy some serious attention as well.

Finally I have to say that listening to Mark Simpson and Brian Honour when the penalty was awarded and for extra time reminded me why paying for Pools Player is money well spent. Any impartiality went out of the window, Brian could barely speak for five minutes and their love of Pools was as obvious as their anger. Much better than a philosophical neutral trotting out a win-some-lose-some speech after clearly enjoying the excitement and drama.

I'd have liked it to have been Loach's hand going up for that ball at the death, not Magnay's. I'm tired of seeing him glued to his line in those situations; he seems to have gone backwards since the end of last season when Turnbull had persuaded him to come out and command his area. The time wasting wouldn't have mattered if he'd done his job at the death.

If defenders are going to be dropped for persistent mistakes why not Loach? He's not in good form and could do with a kick up the backside - time to give Catterick a chance.

always knew that something like that was going to happen though. some teams have luck but pools only bad luck. whats the odds on gillingham beating slough and get a reaaly plumb 3rd round draw.

refs always have a get out clause as they say its a minimum of 4 or whatever minutes they say of added on time.

Watched it on the wireless and it sounded exciting, matching a league 1 club and scoring 3 goals.

We are not as bad as some make out but this is needed in the league......like

Must admit I thought Bates had it cracked last night - The team worked their socks off - BUT he just couldn't resist reverting to type in the 84th minute - pulled Luke off and went 451 and sat behind the ball - we then had no viable outlet up front which allowed Gillingham to throw extra men into attack - we nearly made it but Magnays moment of madness (and where was Loach?) with about 10seconds to go sealed our fate
Gillingham then showed us how to properly see the game out by running it in to our corner flag at every opportunity from taking the lead - sooo bloody frustrating!!!

"pulled Luke off and went 451 and sat behind the ball"

I know James worked as hard as ever but that seems a bit over the top when he already gets paid.

I also think Kioso who for me has been our most consistent performer this season, was extremely unlucky to be dropped after a rare mistake against Barnet. I think his confidence may be affected especially if Magnay who gave away the free kick which resulted in gillingham scoring their second goal and do we need to say anymore about the pelanty, keeps his place against Dover ahead of him? When gets back in the starting line up he will be shitting himself in case he makes a mistake.

In total agreement about Kioso being unlucky to be dropped.
However his attempt to 'play football' facing his own goal was contrary to the no nonsense game that he employed earlier in the season making him one of our most consistant defenders. I hope that horden's assertion that few players actually improve whilst at Pools is not the case for Kioso. He is a young lad with potential to go on to better things than the NL.