Loan watch: Pools denied at the death

RYAN NOBLE was the only Sunderland player in action for his loan club this weekend, the forward once again unable to help Hartlepool secure that elusive win.

Noble was named as part of Neale Cooper' s starting XI, partnering Mags' fan Steve Howard up front at home to Doncaster Rovers.

Rovers have themselves endured a tricky start to life back in League One, winning just twice at home following relegation.

After a much-improved display, 'Pools took a 70th minute lead when full-back Neil Austin blasted home a penalty for Cooper's side.

The win looked in the bag for the Teessiders, until a 89th minute far-post header from Donny skipper Rob Jones snatched a share of the spoils.

Noble had long since departed, withdrawn in the 58th minute to be replaced by fellow loanee, Middlesbrough's Charlie Wyke.

Pools were also beaten in midweek - a game Vital Sunderland attended in order to get our football fix - a penalty shoot-out defeat at the hands of Bradford City seeing Hartlepool exit the Johnstone's Paint Trophy.

After a goalless 90 minutes, Noble missed his, and Pools' third penalty, Bradford running out 3-2 winners.

Ben Wilson was an unused substitute for Chesterfield again on Saturday, the Spireites losing 2-1 at home to Dagenham & Redbridge thanks to a Sam Williams brace.