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Report: Hartlepool v Kettering

Published: Saturday, 7 November 2009, 5:18PM


Poppies stun Pools

Blue Square Premier high-fliers Kettering pulled off one of the shocks of the first round as they stole a 1-0 victory at League One Hartlepool.

The Poppies scored after 15 minutes through striker Moses Ashikodi, and held on for the win.

Pools had their first chance after just 33 seconds, Denis Behan side-footing an effort at goal which goalkeeper Lee Harper saved, and he also blocked from Adam Boyd before the decisive goal.

Nicky Eaden's deep corner was headed across goal by right-back John Dempster for Ashikodi to flick across the penalty area and into the far side of the net.

Colin Larkin was creating chances galore for Hartlepool on the right wing, and from his cut-back, Behan snatched at his chance and blazed over.

Home goalkeeper Scott Flinders was called into action in first-half stoppage-time to deny Ashikodi again on the break, but the second half was all Pools.

However, clear-cut chances at goal were at a premium. Boyd poked a shot at Harper from eight yards, while Peter Hartley drilled a low shot from 35 yards that had Harper scrambling.

But after reaching round four last season, Mark Cooper's side have their sights set on another glory run.