Sutton held by Hartlepool

Posted Sunday, March 15, 2020 by PA

Sutton and Hartlepool played out a 1-1 draw at Gander Green Lane in front of a slightly larger crowd than usual in the Vanarama National League on Saturday.

The coronavirus outbreak in the UK had resulted in the Premier League and English Football League being suspended for the foreseeable future, but the National League remained on and fans from Crystal Palace, Southampton and Wimbledon were in attendance.

While half of the scheduled fixtures in the top flight of non-league were subsequently postponed, Sutton were able to host Hartlepool in one of the only football games to take place in the capital.

The show must go on (just about) in the National League. Gander Green Lane will be one of the only places in London hosting football. pic.twitter.com/nUYFEtVwGw
— George Sessions (@GeorgeSessions) March 14, 2020

A crowd of 2,126 spectators – their second-highest home attendance of the season – saw the Us take the lead after three minutes when Isaac Olaofe closed down Pools goalkeeper Ben Killip and diverted his clearance in for the opener.

Sutton winger David Ajiboye almost grabbed a sensational second six minutes later, but he was denied by the Hartlepool stopper after a superb run past three opponents.

The hosts were unable to add to their tally before half-time and they were punished for that profligacy in the 52nd minute.

53: GOOAL!
A low ball in to the box from the right and Gavan Holohan scoops home a lovely finish to make it 1-1!
🟡1-1🟢#SUTvsHAR #Pools pic.twitter.com/kqhCXGmFDE
— Hartlepool United FC (@Official_HUFC) March 14, 2020

Hartlepool midfielder Gavan Holohan picked out Luke Molyneux with a fine through-ball, raced forward to support the winger and got on the end of his cutback to curl home the leveller for the visitors.

It would prove the last goal of the encounter, despite Harry Beautyman hitting the post late on for Sutton and Gary Liddle clearing Ajiboye’s shot off the line, as the spoils were shared.