Hartlepool United and Boreham Wood played out a goalless draw at the Prestige Group Stadium, a result likely to disappoint the home side more than their visitors. Referee Jamie O’Connor had a busy afternoon, issuing a red card and several yellows in a second half marred by disciplinary incidents.
The first half passed without significant incident, neither team able to break down the opposing defence. The match changed in the 54th minute when Hartlepool’s Maxim Kouogun was shown his second yellow card for violent conduct, reducing the home side to ten men.
Manager Simon Grayson reacted quickly, replacing Tom Parkes with Danny Johnson in the 56th minute in a tactical change designed to strengthen the defence. Further substitutions followed in the 65th minute, with Jermaine Francis making way for Luke Charman and Matty Daly replaced by Brad Walker, as Hartlepool looked to inject some energy into their team.
Boreham Wood made their first change in the 70th minute, bringing on Zak Brunt for Matt Rush in midfield. A double substitution for the away side followed in the 78th minute with Jeff King replaced by Cameron Coxe and Abdul Abdulmalik making way for Charles Clayden. Hartlepool responded in the 83rd minute, replacing Jamie Miley with Jack Hunter. Boreham Wood’s final substitution came in the 86th minute as Femi Ilesanmi was replaced by Junior Dixon.
As the game progressed, tensions rose, leading to yellow cards for Besart Topalloj (57’), Tom Parkes (79’), and Boreham Wood’s Charlie O’Connell (94’). The frustration culminated in a yellow card for manager Simon Grayson for dissent in the 96th minute.
The draw sees Hartlepool United move to fourth in the English National League table with 12 points from six games. Boreham Wood, now undefeated in their last three matches, climb to tenth position with eight points. Hartlepool’s undefeated run extends to six games, and they have now scored in their last four matches.
