Swindon 0, Hartlepool 1

Hartlepool United take all three points thanks to a goal from former Swindon Town midfield Andy Monkhouse whose self-serving celebration almost sent the Town End into a full scale riot.



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Jeerel Ifil - Did well at the back but could have looked to mark Andy Monkhouse thus preventing the goal. Paul Sturrock 6 - Had 4 strikers on the pitch at one stage. Shouldn't have taken Ricky Shakes off as the midfield was not strong to begin with. Christian Roberts would have been a better choice. Danny Wilson 8 - Wilson knew exactly what he wanted to do and made sure his team did it. The team looked well organized and played some good football. "It's something you see happen so many times but I am building a team here for the long-term and I stand by my decision to let Andy Monkhouse move on. Some fans may ask why we let go of Monkhouse, but I would make the same decision tomorrow.

"The goal we conceded was very disappointing. He managed to get under the ball and that shouldn't happen from three yards out.

"We hit the woodwork and had one cleared off the line. We went close but it wasn't to be today. In the end I felt we were positive in our approach and created chances, but we didn't score a goal and that's the end of the story. Blair came on and had two chances but we didn't test their keeper as much as we should have.

"All good runs come to an end. The essence now is to roll out sleeves up and get back to the training ground. We will lose a few more games before the season is out, inevitably, but we have to knuckle down now and carry on.

"The results elsewhere have chipped away at us but we knew if was going to be a topsy turvy division. We have to appreciate that we have lost today, but move on quickly. I want these players lifted and ready for Rochdale next weekend.

"Hartlepool had quality about them, but we matched them in all departments. They are a decent side and they will take the accolades from a solid performance." "Other results will take care of themselves but I thought we were immense at times today,"

"We defended superbly as a unit to keep them at bay and they only really had a couple of chances - once when they hit the post and then Dimi made a good save.

"These games are high pressure if you make them so - we just came here full of confidence and we're delighted to go home with the points.

"If I am going to be critical I thought we gave the ball back to them too cheaply at times but we'll enjoy the result.

"For the goal, it was a terrific header - he was head and shoulders above anyone in there, I think he jumped about eight foot!" MATCH STATS - CLICK HERE

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