Pics or it didn't happen.
Mesmerising writing but that's to be expected from you. Ultimately this section of the story has to end up with Amy becoming your assistant manager when you lead Hartlepool into the Champions League final. That would be true love.
September Review
September proved to be equally as successful for Hartlepool and Jacob Jones, as they took their unbeaten tally for the season to fourteen games.
141 Hartlepool supporters made the 602 mile-round trip to Havant & Waterlooville, as their side raced out 3-0 winners thanks to goals from Luke James, Ryan Donaldson and Liam Noble. The visitors had limited opportunities, with just five shots on target, but demonstrated their clinical edge perfectly at Westleigh Park.
Luke James grabbed the headlines as Hartlepool returned to Victoria Park in the following game. He scored twice against his former side Barrow, adding to Luke Molyneux's goal in a 3-1 victory.
Solihull Moors became the first team to take anything off Jacob Jones' side as they held the Poolies to a 2-2 draw at Damson Park. However, Solihull boss Tim Flowers was "frustrated" by the final result, as his side threw away a two-goal lead.
Terry Hawkridge gave them the lead after eleven minutes, with a well-struck effort from outside the area. Liam Daly would make it two-nil after his header beat Scott Loach and it seemed a poor Hartlepool side on the day were heading for their first loss.
However, a fourth goal in three games for Luke James gave the visitors hope. Then, with five minutes left to play, Ryan Donaldson would strike the leveller and rescue United's unbeaten start to the season in the process.
Scott Loach called into action against Solihull Moors
There was no such scare in the following game against Eastleigh. A 5-0 victory for the hosts as all five goals came in the first forty-five minutes. Cameron James scored a rare double, prior to Luke James and Ryan Donaldson adding to their tallies. Lewis Hawkins' solo effort would prove to be the final nail in the coffin, in what was a horrific afternoon for the 94 travelling Eastleigh fans.
Halifax proved to be much sterner opposition at The Shay. The hosts equalised with ten minutes to play through Matty Kosylo, after Lewis Hawkins scored a second goal in as many games. Both sides perhaps had cases as to why they should have won, in what was a very entertaining game, with either side managing nine shots on target each.
Connor Newton sprained his knee ligaments in a challenge with Matty Brown and subsequently will be ruled out until the start of November, at least.
A 2-0 victory against struggling Salford got Hartlepool back on track. Luke James and Lewis Hawkins striking prior to the half-time whistle at Moor Lane. The hosts surprisingly sit bottom of the National League, despite the high-profile signings of Adam Rooney and Danny Lloyd in the summer from Aberdeen and Peterborough United, respectively.
Returning to Victoria Park for the final game of September, Hartlepool came into it with an unbeaten record at home, the only side beside Gateshead to herald such a record. That would remain in tact, however the Pools dropped their first points of the season at home in a 0-0 draw with Aldershot.
Additionally, it was the first time Hartlepool were unable to score in a game this season. Jake Cole in the Aldershot goal pulled off a fantastic save from Luke James' one-on-one effort, in the highlight of the game.
League Table
Player of the Month
September's Player of the Month award goes to Luke James. The 23-year-old took his tally for the season to nine, after scoring six goals this month, including two against former side Barrow. His impact has been huge since returning to Victoria Park in the summer and Pools will be hoping for more of the same from their academy graduate.
Jacob Jones:
"Luke is a fantastic player at this level. He demonstrated that fantastically with Barrow last season and is doing so again. Obviously, he's a real fans favourite at the club and has the support of the fans, but he is repaying them with, quite simply, blistering form at the moment."
"He's a clinical finisher and at this level, those type of players are difficult to come by. We are very fortunate to have someone of Luke's calibre at this football club."
Replies
Griffin: That means a lot from someone with the writing ability you have, thank you!
Justice: I don't want to risk FM Scout getting shut down for possession of indecent images, I'm afraid.
Jack: Thank you, Jack. That may happen one day, we'll see! You can never predict the future.
Great to see you challenging at the top mate, a really rich vein of form, promotion is on the cards
Crusing in the league and a good comeback against Solihull shows good character! Nice job!
Jones on Carl Magnay's future at Victoria Park
Hartlepool boss Jacob Jones has admitted that Carl Magnay could leave Victoria Park in the January window, following interest from Football League clubs.
Both Coventry City and Doncaster Rovers are rumoured to be interested in the full-back and have been following the player closely over the last few weeks, with scouts believed to have been present during Hartlepool's 2-0 win against Boreham Wood on Saturday.
The 29-year-old has spent the last three years at the club, after joining on a free transfer from Grimsby Town. The Mariners failed to secure promotion from the Conference, which prompted the Northern Irishman to leave Blundell Park after just a single season in Cleethorpes, making 42 appearances.
Capped once at U21 level by his country, Magnay is believed to be content with life at Victoria Park, however would be open to a move to one of the two League One clubs interested in his services.
Jones conceded that the player may leave the club in the January window, stating that he wouldn't "stand in the players way of a fantastic opportunity."
"It would be a great opportunity for Carl and I couldn't possibly stand in his way, if he wished to leave." Jones said. "He is a very talented player and I'm not surprised to hear that he has interest from Football League sides. However, for the time being, no offers have been made and he is our player."
"Carl is focused on his future here and helping us in our quest to win promotion from the National League. He has been tremendous this season and we're looking forward to more brilliant performances from him."
Hartlepool currently sit top of the Vanarama National League table, four points clear of second-placed Aldershot Town. Jones' side are yet to be beaten in the league so far, dropping just six points from 15 games. United's next game sees them travel to Brisbane Road, as they take on third-placed Leyton Orient, under the guidance of Justin Edinburgh, on Saturday
Replies
Griffin: I'm really enjoying it so far, long may it continue!
Jack: A bit early to be saying that, I think.
LFC: Hello Brendan Rodgers with your talk about 'character.'
Two L1 clubs coming in for your man is hardly an offer he can refuse, especially at this stage of his career. However, Doncaster would appear to be the ones with the most dough following Coventry's financial trouble of late. It's a tough one as a good full-back at any lower league level is hard to come by, but it could be a chance to push some youth through given your comfortable standing in the league.
Report: Leyton Orient 1-0 Hartlepool United
Hartlepool United's unbeaten run in the Vanarama National League came to an abrupt end, as Leyton Orient beat Jacob Jones' men at Brisbane Road.
After 15 games without a single loss to their name, Jacob Jones was handed his first loss in management as his side lost out to the O's, courtesy of Jay Simpson's early strike.
The 29-year-old former Arsenal forward, who is enjoying his second spell at Brisbane Road, netted in the 10th minute to give his side three vital points in their quest for promotion. A simple ball from Craig Clay calved open the Hartlepool defence, allowing Simpson to slot the ball past Scott Loach.
The afternoon became even harder for the visitors, as Michael Raynes was given his marching orders on the stroke of half-time, after receiving a second yellow card for a clumsy challenge on Orient forward Macauley Bonne.
Chances were few and far for either side after Simpson's opening goal. Dean Brill made a simple stop to deny Liam Noble early on in the second-half, in what was a rather comfortable afternoon for the Orient shot-stopper.
Jones was understandably disappointed with his side following the defeat.
"I feel we didn't create enough at all today. There have been a few times this season when we haven't looked our best, but we've managed to provide the goods - that just wasn't the case this afternoon." He said.
"I have to give credit to the way Orient set out. They made it a very difficult game for us and defended resolutely all game. They took the one chance that fell to them and that's often the difference in football, you have to be clinical and take the chances you're given."
"The boys have been brilliant so far this season, but today wasn't good enough and we've deservedly been beaten. Now it's a test of character for everyone to ensure we go out and get a positive result against Workington in the FA Cup. We can't afford to overlook them, or we'll lose - simple as that."
The result means that Orient now climb above Aldershot into second, just four points behind leaders Hartlepool with 16 games played. Both sides begin their FA Cup venture on Saturday, with Orient travelling to National League South side Billericay Town and Hartlepool hosting Northern Premier League side Workington.
Replies
Redvee: Thanks mate! I really appreciate the kind words.
Jack: Indeed it's not. Players would jump at that opportunity, especially at his age. However, no offer has been placed yet so hopefully it's just a load of nonsense and simply just paper-talk!
Was never going to be easy coming up against Orient but I have no doubt you gave it everything you have
October Review
October brought the end of Hartlepool's unbeaten run in the Vanarama National League.
However, the month began positively with a 2-0 home victory against Boreham Wood. Second half goals from Luke Molyneux and Jake Cassidy, who scored his first of the season, provided the difference in a comfortable win for the Pools against a struggling Wood side.
After 16 games, the unbeaten streak came to an end. Leyton Orient proved to be too strong for United, as Jay Simpson gave the O's a narrow 1-0 win at Brisbane Road. It was a tough afternoon for the visitors, who were restricted well by a stout Orient defence.
Jacob Jones called for a response in the following game, as Hartlepool played hosts to Northern Premier League side Workington in the FA Cup 4th Qualifying Round.
Josh Hawkes in action against Workington
Hartlepool raced into a two-nil lead, with Luke James and a Liam Noble penalty in the first-half. However, the visitors immediately pegged one back in the 43rd minute. Phil McLuckie's spectacular free-kick levelled the scoreline with around twenty minutes to go, but the fitness levels shown towards the end and Luke James bagged a second of the afternoon. Josh Hawkes rounded off the scoring, with a late strike.
After the 4-2 victory, Hartlepool were drawn against fellow National League opposition in the first round. They will travel to Boreham Wood on 10th November in what is a fantastic opportunity for one of the two sides to make it into the second round of the competition.
Hartlepool returned back into the league with a late-show against Sutton United. After a rather dismal game, it kicked into life in the final five minutes. Luke James scored four minutes from time, prior to Liam Noble's stoppage time strike. However, Roarie Deacon ensured it would be a nervy ending for the Pools, as he pulled one back three minutes into the five that were added on.
However, Hartlepool held on for a 2-1 victory against Paul Doswell's side.
The month was rounded off with another victory and another late goal. Wrexham played hosts this time and seemed to be heading for a point, that would boost their position in the playoff places.
Luke Molyneux's volley from just outside the area beat Rob Lainton with two minutes to go, in what could be a huge three points come the end of the season for United. Wrexham remain in seventh, despite the loss.
League Table
Player of the Month
Luke Molyneux wins the award for the second time this season, after another fantastic month from the Sunderland loanee. The 20-year-old scored twice in October, once in the 2-0 victory against Boreham Wood and the other providing the difference in a huge 1-0 win against Wrexham.
Jacob Jones:
"Luke has been excellent all season and thoroughly deserves to claim this award for the second time already this year."
"His effort against Wrexham was remarkable given the circumstances. That is something I admire in Luke and he certainly has that in his locker. His composure and attitude for someone so young is astonishing and I feel like that will get him far in the game."
Replies
Jack: He's a good player at this level!
Griffin: In ways, yes, however I was quite disappointed that we weren't able to fashion many chances in the game. But all things must come to an end, unfortunately.
Unbelievable gap between yourselves and 2nd to say you lost that game to Orient. Nice to see Luke James being consistent too.
Great to see you still topping the table despite the Orient defeat, shows the character and mental strength in your side to maintain their form and composure despite a defeat to your nearest rivals
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