Rankin thwarted as Hartlepool dig in
Brentford 0 - Hartlepool
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Brentford and Hartlepool will both go into the hat for the fifth round after battling out a goalless draw at Griffin Park. Chances were few and far between as both sides cancelled each other out, and Brentford's Isaiah Rankin will rue missing a gilt-edged chance to put the Bees into the next round with just 15 minutes of the tie remaining.
Brentford and Hartlepool will both go into the hat for the fifth round after battling out a goalless draw at Griffin Park. Chances were few and far between as both sides cancelled each other out, and Brentford's Isaiah Rankin will rue missing a gilt-edged chance to put the Bees into the next round with just 15 minutes of the tie remaining.
Rankin shrugged off a defender to go one on one with the visiting goalkeeper, Demitrios Konstantopoulos, only to dither over his shot and see his run ended with a desperate tackle.
Brentford's Jay Tabb saw a 20-yard drive bounce to safety off the foot of the post as Brentford poured forwards after the break. But Hartlepool were always a threat, with Antony Sweeney and Adam Boyd going close.
The Brentford substitute Andy Frampton might have won it late on, but his 30-yard pile driver was tipped round the post by Konstantopoulos.
Brentford were rocked in the second half when their midfield duo of Stuart Talbot and Eddie Hutchinson were forced to go off injured, but could count themselves unlucky not to have settled it without a replay.
The Brentford manager, Martin Allen, said: "We're still in the hat and that's the most important thing. It was a great FA Cup tie."
His opposite number, Neale Cooper, said: "We knew what to expect from Brentford. They are a very strong side, they work hard for each other and we had to compete in every area."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments