Hartlepool threw away a two-goal lead in the closing minutes as Bristol Rovers staged a dramatic fightback to earn a 2-2 draw at Victoria Park. The visitors did not manage a shot on goal until the 85th minute, but somehow emerged with a point after an 89th-minute leveller. In a largely one-sided affair, the home side eased their way to a 2-0 lead. Andy Monkhouse's shot was deflected off Danny Coles and looped over goalkeeper Mikkel Andersen onto the bar on 18 minutes, before the same player hooked wide soon afterwards. And after 28 minutes, they took the lead. Leon McSweeney crossed from the right side and midfielder Joe Gamble flicked a header across Andersen into the far corner of the net. After 53 minutes Colin Larkin headed over, and Andersen was forced to dive full-length to deny Gamble a second. But Pool got a second after 78 minutes when substitute Antony Sweeney broke away, picked his spot and tapped in. After 85 minutes, Jo Kuffour's header - the Pirates' first effort on target - beat Jake Kean in the Pools goal. And, from a Stuart Campbell free-kick on the right side in the 89th minute, defender Byron Anthony scrambled in an undeserved point.
Source: PA
Source: PA