Oldham Athletic 3 Hartlepool United 3

Last updated : 14 October 2003 By Footymad Previewer

Oldham made it into the second round of the LDV Vans Trophy after finally beating Hartlepool in a penalty shoot out.

The visitors hit back three times to earn a draw and extra time but Oldham converted all five of their spot kicks while Paul Robinson saw his effort superbly saved by Oldham keeper Les Pogliacomi.

It proved to be the only miss as Scott Vernon, Danny Boshell, Dean Holden, Mark Hudson and Michael Clegg all netted for Oldham and Hartlepool's Mark Robinson, Mark Tinkler and Adam Boyd were also on target.

It was a fitting end to a dramatic match that sprung to life after five minutes when Calvin Zola headed in from six yards to put the home side in front.

Hartlepool levelled when Eifion Williams netted with a fantastic volley from 25 yards, but Latics were back in front midway through the first half as Vernon beat the offside trap to slot in his third goal of the season.

Darrell Clarke levelled on 59 minutes with a near post shot which took a slight deflection, but his side trailed again when Boshell drilled a right-foot shot into the bottom corner from 18 yards.

Oldham seemed to be on course but Clarke headed in from close range in injury time to force the extra half hour, which Hartlepool dominated without being able to complete their comeback.