Bobby Double Sinks the Pool

Scunthorpe United are safely through to the second round of the JPT Trophy after two goals from striker Bobby Grant sealed the victory for the Iron.

I think both sides will agree that the first half was less than impressive, with neither keeper having to do too much work. However, both teams did have at least one chance to take the lead. Garry Liddle came close in the tenth minute from close range, but had Josh Lillis not been quick on his feet to cover the ground and block the shot, it would have been a certain goal. Iron striker Garry Thompson must had thought he had scored but instead hit the bar midway through the first half with only the keeper to beat.

Chances were limited in the first half, blocked long range efforts the only thing for both keepers to worry about.

The second half saw the introduction of Summer signing Jimmy Ryan for Andy Barcham. Ryan undoubtedly made the difference for the Iron, as they kept the Hartlepool players pinned back in their own half for the majority of the second half.

In the 55th minute a delightful through ball by Jimmy Ryan allowed Garry Thompson to go one on one with the keeper, but failed to hit the target. Thompson is yet to score this season for the Iron and judging by his reaction he knows he should of scored.

However, the Iron did manage to break the deadlock 5 minutes later as Bobby Grant curled a wonderful shot into the far corner after some neat footwork, leaving Hartlepool keeper Scott Flinders with no chance. Surprisingly Grants first home goal for the club.

Bobby then picked up his second goal after what seemed to be a rush of blood by Andy Monkhouse as he tried to head the ball back to his keeper but instead put the iron back onto the attack. Grant was then put through on goal and scored from just inside the area. Bobby Grants fifth goal in the last four games.

The 76 Hartlepool United fans didn't have much to cheer about in the second half, but must have surely thought they had grabbed a consolation goal after an in-swinging corner was met by unmarked Antony Sweeney, but could only head wide. He should have scored.

However, the Iron were able to see their first home win of the season and the first opportunity to listen to 'Another One bites the Dust' (elected in a recent pole to be played after a victory) once the final whistle was blown.

Despite Jimmy Ryan becoming the impact player of the game, Bobby Grant was the star player throughout the whole 90 minutes. His strength, his work off the ball aswell as his eye for goal was impressive to watch. He has certainly deserved his place in the starting eleven.

For Hartlepool Midfielder Garry Liddle impressed me. Especially in the first half, his positional play aswell as his strength and first touch was impressive to watch throughout the whole game. He was unlucky not to score in the first half and it would have been a good reward for all his hard work.

Vital F1 Prediction League - Join now for Monaco