Pools and Rovers share spoils

Hartlepool and Tranmere played out a goalless draw in a scrappy Sky Bet League Two encounter.Both sides had half-chances at Victoria Park yet struggled to create real openings in a match lacking quality.Despite the home side making much of the early running, it was the visitors who almost snatched a lead when a shocking Jordan Richards back-pass was intercepted by Cole Stockton.However, Pools goalkeeper Scott Flinders was quickly off his line to produce a fine save that denied the forward.Further openings came before half time as home winger Ryan Brobbel blazed over from inside the box, and centre-back Janoi Donacien missed the target from a Rovers corner.Tranmere dominated possession in the second period with Abdulai Bell-Baggie, in particular, seeing plenty of the ball. Firstly, his delicate cross found the head of Marc Laird, who miscued an effort despite being alone on the penalty spot.Bell-Baggie then fired wide from 12 yards after setting his feet before grazing the crossbar with a powerful effort from a tight angle.Nevertheless, the deadlock remained and the points were shared.