Pools Boss Bates Takes Positives From Stones Point

Bates was taking charge of Hartlepool competitively for the first time since taking the Victoria Road reigns on a permanent basis in the summer.

Speaking to Hartlepool’s official video service, the former Middlesbrough defender said he was feeling the pressure.

“I’m not going to lie, I was anxious before the game – it’s a new system, new players and a new manager but there were lots and lots of positives.

“We’ll take the point,” Bates said. “I think it was a balanced game but we had the better of the chances – it was a funny game really because it was end to end and there was pressure put on from both sides.

Things didn’t get off to a good start when Maidstone took the lead through a penalty after a foul by Niko Muir, but Hartlepool new boy Liam Noble levelled almost instantly, and Bates was quick to praise his sides character.

“It was good character from the lads to get the goal back straight away – we’ve got good players who felt hard done by on the penalty decision and they went and proved their point in the right way.

“We looked comfortable away from home against a decent Maidstone side, we’ve held our own if not shaded the game, so we’ll gain confidence from that.

Hartlepool next face newly promoted Harrogate Town on Tuesday night.