HARTLEPOOL UNITED 2 (Sweeney 2)
BARNSLEY 2 (Ricketts, Coulson)

BARNSLEY moved a step closer to qualification for the knock out stages of the Pontin's Holidays League Cup with a hard earned point at Hartlepool United.

The Reds went into the game looking for revenge after slipping to a 2-0 defeat in a league clash with Pools in mid-September but had to settle for a point following an entertaining 90 minutes at Victoria Park.

Barnsley were on the back foot from the first whistle and youngster Danny Free had to be at his very best to deny Stephen Turnbull, Michael Mackay and Michael Rae inside the first 15 minutes.

Hartlepool did not have it all their own way and the Reds came storming back with Arran Lee-Barratt forced to make decent saves from Michael Coulson and Rhys Meynell.

The opening goal came on 25 minutes as the Reds were undone from Matt Robson's corner and Antony Sweeney rose highest to head into the back of the net from 12 yards.

Hartlepool's lead lasted all of three minutes until Ricketts grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck and drove the Reds forward. The midfielder's burst and shot brought an outstanding save from Lee-Barratt but Ricketts was on hand to prod the ball into the net on the rebound.

The home side grabbed the lead on 70 minutes when the Reds were caught out by a high cross from Ali Gibb that gave Sweeney the chance to head past Free.

Barnsley levelled again with seven minutes remaining when good play by gave Michael Coulson half a chance in the area and the youngster headed past Lee-Barratt from six yards.

HARTLEPOOL UNITED: Lee-Barrett, Gibb, Robson, Barron, Tait, Turnbull, Sweeney, Young, Rae, Mackay, Foley.
Subs: Maidens, Gott, Rowell, Haigh, Proudlock.

BARNSLEY: Free, Van Homoet, Potter, Reid, Atkinson, Butterfield, Ricketts, Togwell, Coulson, Fedorenko, Meynell.
Subs: McGrory, Adam, Smith, Mellor, Waterfall.