Hartlepool get pre-season surprise as opposition Jarrow Roofing forced into bringing on social media manager in goal
Minnows' Twitter account goes quiet in the second half as it turns out the man in charge was roped into a spell in goal
PRE-SEASON is a funny time of year for footballers, with bosses experimenting with new training regimes, formations and so on.
Sometimes there’s a shock selection… Perhaps a fringe youth player gets a chance to lead the front-line on the biggest stage of their fledgling career?
Or perhaps even the man who runs your team’s Twitter account has a crack out on the pitch?
No, too bizarre. Or is it?
Well, that’s exactly what happened when Hartlepool – Jeff Stelling’s club of choice, of course – took on minnows Jarrow Roofing on Saturday.
During the first half, there were occasional updates of the match, including team news and the first goal flying in, before the half-time score is tweeted.
After that though, it goes oddly quiet.
It was only after the game that Jarrow Roofing cleared things up, saying: “Sorry for no updates during the game after half-time.
“The lad handling the account had to go in goal.”
Unbelievable Jeff, indeed.
It’s worth noting the little-known side were in trouble even before kick-off, naming only two subs on their bench.
It’s unclear what caused the original keeper to go off, but the social media man – Andy Hudson – clearly did a stand-up job.
Incredibly leading 1-0 at the half-time whistle, it was expected League Two side Hartlepool would breeze past their opponents in the second-half, what with their overwhelming quality and the fact the opposition had a Twitter man between the sticks…
Yet the Pools only mustered a single goal – and how bitter the social media man was, saying: “Hartlepool equalised after a long ball, and a controversial no-flag for offside, left the forward one-on-one to finish past Andy Hudson.”
However, it was all smiles later that evening as the two teams exchanged pleasantries.
Firstly, Hartlepool wrote: “Big thanks to @TheRoofing for today’s game, top club and we wish them all the best for the upcoming season.”
Before Jarrow replied: “Thanks again for hosting the match and here’s to a great season for you lads.”
N’aww…