2003–04 Hartlepool United F.C. season

Hartlepool United 2003–04 football season

Hartlepool United2003–04 season

Owner| IOR
Chairman| Ken Hodcroft
Manager| Neale Cooper
Stadium| Victoria Park
Football League Second Division| 6th
FA Cup| Third round
(eliminated by Sunderland)
League Cup| Second round
(eliminated by West Brom)
League Trophy| First round
(eliminated by
Oldham Athletic)
Top goalscorer| League:
Eifion Williams (13)
All:
Eifion Williams (14)
Highest home attendance| 7,448 (vs Sheffield Wednesday)
Lowest home attendance| 4,135 (vs Colchester United)
Average home league attendance| 5,419[1]

<- 2002–03

2004–05 ->

The 2003–04 season was Hartlepool United's 95th year in existence and their first season in Football League Second Division since 1993–94. Along with competing in the Football League Second Division, the club also participated in the FA Cup, Football League Cup and Football League Trophy. The season covered the period from 1 July 2003 to 30 June 2004.

## Background and pre-season

[edit]

Main article: 2002–03 Hartlepool United F.C. season

See also: History of Hartlepool United F.C. and List of Hartlepool United F.C. seasons

Having participated in the Third Division since 1994–95, the 2003–04 season saw Hartlepool competing back in the third tier once again having earned promotion in the previous season. Hartlepool had started the 2002–03 campaign in fine form, but suffered the departure of manager Chris Turner to Sheffield Wednesday in early November 2002.[2] Turner had turned around the club's fortunes since his appointment in February 1999.[3] After ensuring survival for Hartlepool in the Third Division in his first season, Turner oversaw three consecutive play-off finishes.[3] Turner's successor was Mike Newell who inherited a side four points clear at the top of the league.[4] Hartlepool managed to build a 12 point lead at the top of the division by early 2003 ahead of Rushden & Diamonds.[4] Nevertheless, Hartlepool would suffer a poor run of form in the Spring, eventually missing out on the title on the final day of the season.[4][5] Despite winning promotion in second place, Newell's contract was not renewed.[4]

In June 2003, former Ross County manager Neale Cooper was appointed as Newell's successor in a surprise decision.[4] Early in his tenure, Cooper lost key defender Graeme Lee on a free transfer.[4] Lee was replaced by Bury's Michael Nelson.[4]

## Review and events

[edit]

Hartlepool's 2003–04 campaign began with an away fixture at Peterborough United which Hartlepool won.[4] This solid start to the season continued, including a notable 8–1 home victory against Grimsby Town.[4] By Christmas, Hartlepool were just outside the play-off positions.[4]

In the FA Cup, Hartlepool defeated Whitby Town and Burton Albion, the latter of which was televised. This earned them an away tie at local team Sunderland in the third round.[4] The Sunderland match saw an attendance of over 40,000 supporters; breaking the attendance record for any Hartlepool match.[6] The First Division side narrowly won 1–0 courtesy of an impressive goal by Julio Arca.[6]

In April, Hartlepool won five consecutive matches to maintain their play-off hunt.[6] This play-off finish was ultimately secured late in the season.[6] In the play-off semi-final first leg, Hartlepool faced Bristol City at Victoria Park in front of a near sell out crowd.[6] The away side took the lead in the first half before Joel Porter found a late equaliser for Hartlepool.[6] In the away tie at Ashton Gate, Antony Sweeney gave Hartlepool the lead after an hour.[6] Hartlepool conceded with two minutes to go before Bristol City found a winner in injury time.[6] This was Hartlepool's fourth play-off semi-final defeat in five years.[6]

## Players

[edit]

As of End of Season.[7]

### Current squad

[edit]

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

| No. | Pos. | Nation  | Player

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1  | GK |  WAL | Anthony Williams
2  | DF |  ENG | Michael Barron
3  | DF |  ENG | Mark Robinson
4  | MF |  ENG | Mark Tinkler
5  | DF |  ENG | Michael Nelson
6  | DF |  ENG | Chris Westwood
7  | MF |  ENG | Darrell Clarke
8  | MF |  ENG | Ritchie Humphreys
9  | FW |  WAL | Eifion Williams
12  | MF |  NIR | Stephen Carson
14  | MF |  GUY | Neil Danns
15  | FW |  ENG | Adam Boyd
16  | DF |  SCO | Hugh Robertson
17  | FW |  WAL | Jermaine Easter
18  | MF |  ENG | Antony Sweeney
19  | GK |  ENG | Jim Provett
| No. | Pos. | Nation  | Player

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20  | DF |  ENG | John Brackstone
21  | MF |  ENG | Steven Istead
22  | MF |  ENG | Matty Robson
23  | FW |  ENG | Paul Robinson
24  | DF |  SCO | Andy Jordan
25  | MF |  SCO | Gavin Strachan
26  | DF |  AUS | Adam van Dommele
27  | FW |  ENG | David Foley
28  | DF |  SCO | Ryan McCann
29  | DF |  ENG | Darren Craddock
30  | GK |  GRE | Dimitrios Konstantopoulos
31  | FW |  ENG | Jack Wilkinson
32  | FW |  AUS | Joel Porter
33  | DF |  SCO | Scott Walker
34  | FW |  ENG | Andrew Appleby

## Transfers

[edit]

### Transfers in

[edit]

Date  | Position  | Player  | From  | Fee  | Ref

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30 July 2003 | DF | Andy Jordan | Cardiff City | Free | [8]
30 July 2003 | FW | Paul Robinson | Blackpool | Free | [9]
8 August 2003 | MF | Gavin Strachan | Southend United | Free | [10]
28 August 2003 | DF | Ryan McCann | Celtic | Free | [11]
17 October 2003 | GK | Dimitrios Konstantopoulos | Farense | Free | [12]
25 November 2003 | FW | Joel Porter | Sydney Olympic | Free | [13]
15 January 2004 | DF | Scott Walker | Dunfermline | Free | [14]
29 January 2004 | DF | Hugh Robertson | Ross County | Undisclosed | [15]
19 February 2004 | MF | Stephen Carson | Barnsley | Free | [16]

### Loans in

[edit]

Date  | Position  | Player  | From  | Loan Length  | Ref

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25 November 2003 | FW | Danny Byrne | Manchester United | One month | [17]
10 December 2003 | MF | Chris Shuker | Manchester City | Three months | [18]
13 March 2004 | MF | Neil Danns | Blackburn Rovers | End of season[a] | [20]

1. ^ The first loan was for one month but was extended on 15 April 2004 until the end of the season.[19]

### Transfers out

[edit]

Date  | Position  | Player  | From  | Fee  | Ref

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31 October 2003 | FW | Kevin Henderson | Carlisle United | Free | [21]
12 January 2004 | FW | Marcus Richardson | Lincoln City | Free | [22]
19 January 2004 | FW | Marco Gabbiadini | Retired | Retired | [23]
2 February 2004 | MF | Paul Arnison | Carlisle United | Free | [24]
25 May 2004 | GK | Anthony Williams | Grimsby Town | Free | [25]
25 May 2004 | DF | Mark Robinson | Hereford United | Free | [26]
25 May 2004 | DF | Scott Walker | Brechin City | Free | [27]
25 May 2004 | MF | Stephen Carson | Coleraine | Free | [28]
25 May 2004 | FW | Jermaine Easter | Cambridge United | Free | [29]

### Loans out

[edit]

Date  | Position  | Player  | From  | Loan Length  | Ref

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22 August 2003 | FW | Marcus Richardson | Lincoln City | One month[a] | [31]
31 October 2003 | MF | Paul Arnison | Carlisle United | End of season | [32]

1. ^ The first loan was for one month but was extended on 25 September 2003 for an additional month.[30]

## Competitions

[edit]

### Pre-season friendlies

[edit]

TOP Oss v Hartlepool United 16 July 2003 (2003-07-16) |  TOP Oss | 0–6|  Hartlepool United | Frans Heesen Stadion, Oss

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19:00 |  | [1] | Williams
Clarke
Richardson
Henderson |

Heerenveen v Hartlepool United 18 July 2003 (2003-07-18) |  Heerenveen | 3–3|  Hartlepool United | Abe Lenstra Stadion, Heerenveen

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19:00 | Håkansson | [2] | Westwood
Gabbiadini
Tinkler |

Sunderland Reserves v Hartlepool United 23 July 2003 (2003-07-23) |  Sunderland Reserves | 1–1|  Hartlepool United | Academy of Light, Sunderland

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15:00 | Flo  | [3] | Robinson |

Leeds United v Hartlepool United 25 July 2003 (2003-07-25) |  Leeds United | 4–3|  Hartlepool United | Elland Road, Leeds

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19:00 |  | [4] | Robinson
Williams
Clarke |

Hartlepool United v Sheffield Wednesday 27 July 2003 (2003-07-27) |  Hartlepool United | 1–3|  Sheffield Wednesday | Victoria Park, Hartlepool

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15:00 | Henderson 42' | [5] | Owusu 12'
McClaren 13'
Armstrong 56' |

Berwick Rangers v Hartlepool United 29 July 2003 (2003-07-29) |  Berwick Rangers | 2–3|  Hartlepool United | Shielfield Park, Berwick-upon-Tweed

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19:00 |  | [6] | Robinson pen.'
Williams
Clarke |

Billingham Town v Hartlepool United 30 July 2003 (2003-07-30) |  Billingham Town | 1–4|  Hartlepool United | Bedford Terrace, Billingham

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19:00 |  | [7] | Moore 3', 41'
Henderson 30'
Robson 78' |

Hartlepool United v Newcastle United 1 August 2003 (2003-08-01) |  Hartlepool United | 0–6|  Newcastle United | Victoria Park, Hartlepool

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19:00 |  | [8] | Bellamy 9'
Shearer 17', 28', 35'
Solano 47'
Speed 52' | Attendance: 4,712

Whitby Town v Hartlepool United 2 August 2003 (2003-08-02) |  Whitby Town | 0–1|  Hartlepool United | Turnbull Ground, Whitby

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15:00 |  | [9] | Henderson 44' |

### Football League Second Division

[edit]

#### League table

[edit]

Main article: 2003–04 Football League

Pos | Team

* v
* t
* e

| Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Promotion or relegation

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4  | Brighton & Hove Albion (O, P) | 46  | 22  | 11  | 13  | 64  | 43  | +21  | 77  | Qualification for the Second Division play-offs
5  | Swindon Town | 46  | 20  | 13  | 13  | 76  | 58  | +18  | 73
6  | Hartlepool United | 46  | 20  | 13  | 13  | 76  | 61  | +15  | 73
7  | Port Vale | 46  | 21  | 10  | 15  | 73  | 63  | +10  | 73  |
8  | Tranmere Rovers | 46  | 17  | 16  | 13  | 59  | 56  | +3  | 67

Source: [33]
Rules for classification: In the Football League goals scored (GF) takes precedence over goal difference (GD).
(O) Play-off winners; (P) Promoted

#### Results summary

[edit]

Overall | Home | Away

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Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD
46  | 20  | 13  | 13  | 76  | 61  |  +15  | 73  | 10  | 8  | 5  | 39  | 24  |  +15  | 10  | 5  | 8  | 37  | 37  |  0

#### Results by matchday

[edit]

Round| 1| 2| 3| 4| 5| 6| 7| 8| 9| 10| 11| 12| 13| 14| 15| 16| 17| 18| 19| 20| 21| 22| 23| 24| 25| 26| 27| 28| 29| 30| 31| 32| 33| 34| 35| 36| 37| 38| 39| 40| 41| 42| 43| 44| 45| 46

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Ground| A| H| A| H| A| H| H| A| A| H| H| A| H| A| A| H| A| H| A| H| A| H| H| A| H| A| H| A| A| A| H| A| H| A| H| H| A| H| A| H| H| A| H| A| H| A
Result| W| D| D| W| L| D| W| W| L| D| W| D| D| L| W| D| L| W| L| W| L| D| L| W| W| D| L| W| D| L| D| W| W| W| L| D| W| L| L| W| W| W| W| W| L| D
Position| 6| 6| 12| 5| 9| 12| 4| 2| 6| 7| 4| 5| 5| 9| 7| 7| 8| 6| 8| 5| 10| 8| 11| 10| 6| 8| 9| 8| 9| 10| 10| 11| 8| 5| 7| 8| 6| 9| 9| 7| 6| 6| 6| 5| 6| 6

Source: [citation needed]
A = Away; H = Home; W = Win; D = Draw; L = Loss

#### Results

[edit]

Peterborough United v Hartlepool United 9 August 2003 (2003-08-09) 1|  Peterborough United | 3–4|  Hartlepool United | London Road, Peterborough

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15:00 | Arber 18'
Clarke 23', 51' | [10] | Strachan 38'
Robinson 55'
Robson 70'
Nelson 85' | Attendance: 5,965 (990 away fans)
Referee: Grant Hegley

Hartlepool United v Tranmere Rovers 16 August 2003 (2003-08-16) 2|  Hartlepool United | 0–0|  Tranmere Rovers | Victoria Park, Hartlepool

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15:00 |  | [11] |  | Attendance: 5,357 (445 away fans)
Referee: Lee Mason

Bristol City v Hartlepool United 23 August 2003 (2003-08-23) 3|  Bristol City | 1–1|  Hartlepool United | Ashton Gate, Bristol

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15:00 | Peacock 56' | [12] | Gabbiadini 73' | Attendance: 10,730 (250 away fans)
Referee: Andy Hall

Hartlepool United v Port Vale 25 August 2003 (2003-08-25) 4|  Hartlepool United | 2–0|  Port Vale | Victoria Park, Hartlepool

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15:00 | Robinson 2'
Gabbiadini 88' (pen.) | [13] |  | Attendance: 5,314 (478 away fans)
Referee: Paul Robinson

Luton Town v Hartlepool United 30 August 2003 (2003-08-30) 5|  Luton Town | 3–2|  Hartlepool United | Kenilworth Road, Luton

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15:00 | Howard 6', 23'
McSheffrey 14' | [14] | Clarke 40'
Robinson 71' (pen.) | Attendance: 5,515 (573 away fans)
Referee: Brian Curson

Hartlepool United v Oldham Athletic 6 September 2003 (2003-09-06) 6|  Hartlepool United | 0–0|  Oldham Athletic | Victoria Park, Hartlepool

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15:00 |  | [15] |  | Attendance: 5,728 (836 away fans)
Referee: Andy Penn

Hartlepool United v Grimsby Town 12 September 2003 (2003-09-12) 7|  Hartlepool United | 8–1|  Grimsby Town | Victoria Park, Hartlepool

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19:45 | Rowan 19' (O.G.)
Robinson 20' (pen.)
Strachan 28'
Humphreys 31'
Gabbiadini 60'
Williams 66' | [16] | Rowan 48' | Attendance: 5,528 (272 away fans)
Referee: Scott Mathieson

Stockport County v Hartlepool United 16 September 2003 (2003-09-16) 8|  Stockport County | 1–2|  Hartlepool United | Edgeley Park, Stockport

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19:45 | Wilbraham 43' | [17] | Williams 8'
Gabbiadini 54' | Attendance: 4,021
Referee: Tony Leake

Brentford v Hartlepool United 20 September 2003 (2003-09-20) 9|  Brentford | 2–1|  Hartlepool United | Griffin Park, Brentford

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15:00 | Sonko 13'
Wright 48' | [18] | Tinkler 42' | Attendance: 4,501 (592 away fans)
Referee: Tony Bates

Hartlepool United v Brighton & Hove Albion 27 September 2003 (2003-09-27) 10|  Hartlepool United | 0–0|  Brighton & Hove Albion | Victoria Park, Hartlepool

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15:00 |  | [19] |  | Attendance: 5,443 (446 away fans)
Referee: Alan Butler

Hartlepool United v Wrexham 30 September 2003 (2003-09-30) 11|  Hartlepool United | 2–0|  Wrexham | Victoria Park, Hartlepool

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19:45 | Clarke 23', 37' | [20] |  | Attendance: 4,677 (104 away fans)
Referee: Chris Foy

AFC Bournemouth v Hartlepool United 4 October 2003 (2003-10-04) 12|  AFC Bournemouth | 2–2|  Hartlepool United | Dean Court, Bournemouth

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15:00 | Holmes 79'
Feeney 81' | [21] | Tinkler 10'
Strachan 90' | Attendance: 6,342 (263 away fans)
Referee: Steve Tomlin

Hartlepool United v Sheffield Wednesday 10 October 2003 (2003-10-10) 13|  Hartlepool United | 1–1|  Sheffield Wednesday | Victoria Park, Hartlepool

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19:45 | Gabbiadini 84' | [22] | Owusu 47' | Attendance: 7,448 (916 away fans)
Referee: Graham Salisbury

Blackpool v Hartlepool United 18 October 2003 (2003-10-18) 14|  Blackpool | 4–0|  Hartlepool United | Bloomfield Road, Blackpool

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15:00 | Douglas 4'
Taylor 20', 40', 72' (pen.) | [23] |  | Attendance: 6,871 (1,691 away fans)
Referee: Mike Pike

Chesterfield v Hartlepool United 21 October 2003 (2003-10-21) 15|  Chesterfield | 1–2|  Hartlepool United | Recreation Ground, Chesterfield

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19:45 | Cade 53' | [24] | Evatt 26' (O.G.)
Robinson 76' | Attendance: 3,411 (321 away fans)
Referee: Lee Probert

Hartlepool United v Wycombe Wanderers 25 October 2003 (2003-10-25) 16|  Hartlepool United | 1–1|  Wycombe Wanderers | Victoria Park, Hartlepool

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15:00 | Barron 40' | [25] | Currie 3' | Attendance: 5,153 (183 away fans)
Referee: Martin Atkinson

Notts County v Hartlepool United 1 November 2003 (2003-11-01) 17|  Notts County | 1–0|  Hartlepool United | Meadow Lane, Nottingham

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15:00 | Baldry 63' | [26] |  | Attendance: 5,011 (675 away fans)
Referee: Paul Danson

Hartlepool United v Rushden & Diamonds 15 November 2003 (2003-11-15) 18|  Hartlepool United | 2–1|  Rushden & Diamonds | Victoria Park, Hartlepool

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15:00 | Strachan 41' (pen.)
Wilkinson 75' | [27] | Jack 57' | Attendance: 4,944 (203 away fans)
Referee: Chris Foy

Plymouth Argyle v Hartlepool United 22 November 2003 (2003-11-22) 19|  Plymouth Argyle | 2–0|  Hartlepool United | Home Park, Plymouth

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15:00 | Keith 45'
Lowndes 48' | [28] |  | Attendance: 9,000 (93 away fans)
Referee: Iain Williamson

Hartlepool United v Swindon Town 29 November 2003 (2003-11-29) 20|  Hartlepool United | 2–0|  Swindon Town | Victoria Park, Hartlepool

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15:00 | Strachan 18' (pen.)
Wilkinson 86' | [29] |  | Attendance: 4,493 (358 away fans)
Referee: Eddie Evans

QPR v Hartlepool United 13 December 2003 (2003-12-13) 21|  QPR | 4–1|  Hartlepool United | Loftus Road, London

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15:00 | Gallen 27', 38'
Padula 34'
Ainsworth 50' | [30] | Williams 71' | Attendance: 15,003 (615 away fans)
Referee: Andre Marriner

Hartlepool United v Colchester United 20 December 2003 (2003-12-20) 22|  Hartlepool United | 0–0|  Colchester United | Victoria Park, Hartlepool

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15:00 |  | [31] |  | Attendance: 4,135 (135 away fans)
Referee: Tony Leake

Hartlepool United v Barnsley 26 December 2003 (2003-12-26) 23|  Hartlepool United | 1–2|  Barnsley | Victoria Park, Hartlepool

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15:00 | Williams 22' | [32] | Betsy 45', 69' | Attendance: 6,520 (925 away fans)
Referee: Mark Halsey

Oldham Athletic v Hartlepool United 28 December 2003 (2003-12-28) 24|  Oldham Athletic | 0–2|  Hartlepool United | Boundary Park, Oldham

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15:00 |  | [33] | Williams 45'
Porter 79' | Attendance: 6,243 (541 away fans)
Referee: Joe Ross

Hartlepool United v Peterborough United 10 January 2004 (2004-01-10) 25|  Hartlepool United | 1–0|  Peterborough United | Victoria Park, Hartlepool

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15:00 | Williams 37' | [34] |  | Attendance: 4,855 (192 away fans)
Referee: David Pugh

Tranmere Rovers v Hartlepool United 17 January 2004 (2004-01-17) 26|  Tranmere Rovers | 0–0|  Hartlepool United | Prenton Park, Birkenhead

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15:00 |  | [35] |  | Attendance: 7,418 (366 away fans)
Referee: Mark Cowburn

Hartlepool United v Bristol City 24 January 2004 (2004-01-24) 27|  Hartlepool United | 1–2|  Bristol City | Victoria Park, Hartlepool

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15:00 | Tinkler 70' | [36] | Peacock 54'
Tinnion 76' | Attendance: 5,375 (660 away fans)
Referee: Alan Kaye

Port Vale v Hartlepool United 27 January 2004 (2004-01-27) 28|  Port Vale | 2–5|  Hartlepool United | Vale Park, Stoke-on-Trent

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19:45 | Brooker 8'
Cummins 87' | [37] | Shuker 6'
Humphreys 31'
Nelson 69'
Williams 74'
Clarke 83' | Attendance: 4,845 (95 away fans)
Referee: Scott Mathieson

Barnsley v Hartlepool United 7 February 2004 (2004-02-07) 29|  Barnsley | 2–2|  Hartlepool United | Oakwell Stadium, Barnsley

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15:00 | Nardiello 56'
Hayward 80' | [38] | Williams 27'
Tinkler 67' | Attendance: 9,220 (752 away fans)
Referee: Paul Robinson

Sheffield Wednesday v Hartlepool United 14 February 2004 (2004-02-14) 30|  Sheffield Wednesday | 1–0|  Hartlepool United | Hillsborough Stadium, Sheffield

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15:00 | Ndumbu-Nsungu 80' (pen.) | [39] |  | Attendance: 20,732 (2,144 away fans)
Referee: Alan Butler

Hartlepool United v Blackpool 20 February 2004 (2004-02-20) 31|  Hartlepool United | 1–1|  Blackpool | Victoria Park, Hartlepool

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19:45 | Robertson 51' | [40] | Sheron 74' | Attendance: 5,497 (403 away fans)
Referee: Mark Clattenburg

Wycombe Wanderers v Hartlepool United 28 February 2004 (2004-02-28) 32|  Wycombe Wanderers | 3–4|  Hartlepool United | The Causeway Stadium, High Wycombe

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15:00 | Simpemba 8'
McSporran 23'
Tyson 64' | [41] | Williams 4', 46'
Robertson 10'
Tinkler 39' (pen) | Attendance: 4,731 (349 away fans)
Referee: Mark Warren

Hartlepool United v Chesterfield 2 March 2004 (2004-03-02) 33|  Hartlepool United | 2–0|  Chesterfield | Victoria Park, Hartlepool

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19:45 | Williams 52'
Tinkler 71' | [42] |  | Attendance: 4,736 (195 away fans)
Referee: Carl Boyeson

Colchester United v Hartlepool United 6 March 2004 (2004-03-06) 34|  Colchester United | 1–2|  Hartlepool United | Layer Road, Colchester

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15:00 | Halford 35' | [43] | Nelson 17'
Istead 78' | Attendance: 3,348 (320 away fans)
Referee: Trevor Kettle

Hartlepool United v QPR 13 March 2004 (2004-03-13) 35|  Hartlepool United | 1–4|  QPR | Victoria Park, Hartlepool

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15:00 | Porter 88' | [44] | Furlong 48', 74'
Gallen 52'
Rowlands 76' | Attendance: 6,519 (850 away fans)
Referee: Ray Oliver

Hartlepool United v Stockport County 20 March 2004 (2004-03-20) 36|  Hartlepool United | 2–2|  Stockport County | Victoria Park, Hartlepool

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17:45 | Williams 10'
Porter 58' | [45] | Lambert 20' (pen.)
Daly 21' | Attendance: 4,674 (281 away fans)
Referee: Phil Prosser

Grimsby Town v Hartlepool United 20 March 2004 (2004-03-20) 37|  Grimsby Town | 0–2|  Hartlepool United | Blundell Park, Cleethorpes

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15:00 |  | [46] | Boyd 29', 87' | Attendance: 4,303 (506 away fans)
Referee: Lee Mason

Hartlepool United v Brentford 27 March 2004 (2004-03-27) 38|  Hartlepool United | 1–2|  Brentford | Victoria Park, Hartlepool

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15:00 | Boyd 38' | [47] | Tabb 2'
Dobson 33' | Attendance: 5,206 (235 away fans)
Referee: Michael Ryan

Brighton & Hove Albion v Hartlepool United 3 April 2004 (2004-04-03) 39|  Brighton & Hove Albion | 2–0|  Hartlepool United | Withdean Stadium, Brighton

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15:00 | Knight 68'
Iwelumo 90' | [48] |  | Attendance: 6,257 (203 away fans)
Referee: Joe Ross

Hartlepool United v Luton Town 6 April 2004 (2004-04-06) 40|  Hartlepool United | 4–3|  Luton Town | Victoria Park, Hartlepool

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19:45 | Sweeney 14'
Boyd 53', 90' (pen.)
Robertson 55' | [49] | Howard 3'
Leary 31', 59' | Attendance: 4,434 (284 away fans)
Referee: Fraser Stretton

Hartlepool United v AFC Bournemouth 10 April 2004 (2004-04-10) 41|  Hartlepool United | 2–1|  AFC Bournemouth | Victoria Park, Hartlepool

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15:00 | Boyd 38', 69' | [50] | Hayter 31' | Attendance: 5,544 (238 away fans)
Referee: Phil Joslin

Wrexham v Hartlepool United 12 April 2004 (2004-04-12) 42|  Wrexham | 1–2|  Hartlepool United | Racecourse Ground, Wrexham

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15:00 | Barrett 71' | [51] | Clarke 41'
Danns 63' | Attendance: 3,786 (425 away fans)
Referee: Trevor Parkes

Hartlepool United v Notts County 17 April 2004 (2004-04-17) 43|  Hartlepool United | 4–0|  Notts County | Victoria Park, Hartlepool

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15:00 | Humphreys 42'
Boyd 55', 56'
Robertson 69' | [52] |  | Attendance: 5,629 (325 away fans)
Referee: Kevin Wright

Rushden & Diamonds v Hartlepool United 24 April 2004 (2004-04-24) 44|  Rushden & Diamonds | 0–2|  Hartlepool United | Nene Park, Irthlingborough

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15:00 |  | [53] | Williams 56'
Boyd 79' | Attendance: 4,568 (1,103 away fans)
Referee: Andre Marriner

Hartlepool United v Plymouth Argyle 1 May 2004 (2004-05-01) 45|  Hartlepool United | 1–3|  Plymouth Argyle | Victoria Park, Hartlepool

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|

15:00 | Boyd 11' | [54] | Hodges 12'
Lowndes 42'
Tinkler 48' (O.G.) | Attendance: 7,437 (892 away fans)
Referee: Tony Leake

Swindon Town v Hartlepool United 8 May 2004 (2004-05-08) 46|  Swindon Town | 1–1|  Hartlepool United | County Ground, Swindon

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|

15:00 | Igoe 7' | [55] | Boyd 71' | Attendance: 11,627 (1,468 away fans)
Referee: Mike Fletcher

#### Play-offs

[edit]

Hartlepool United v Bristol City 15 May 2004 (2004-05-15) Semi-final first leg|  Hartlepool United | 1–1|  Bristol City | Victoria Park, Hartlepool

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|

15:00 | Porter 74' | [56] | Rougier 5' | Attendance: 7,211 (668 away fans)
Referee: Paul Taylor

Bristol City v Hartlepool United 19 May 2004 (2004-05-19) Semi-final second leg|  Bristol City | 2–1
(3–2 agg.)|  Hartlepool United | Ashton Gate, Bristol

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|
|

19:45 | Goodfellow 88'
Roberts 90' | [57] | Sweeney 63' | Attendance: 18,434 (1,168 away fans)
Referee: Graham Poll

### FA Cup

[edit]

Main article: 2003–04 FA Cup

Hartlepool United v Whitby Town 8 November 2003 First round|  Hartlepool United | 4–0|  Whitby Town | Hartlepool

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|
|
|

15:00 | Gabbiadini 25', 30'
Humphreys 51'
Brackstone 68' | Report |  | Stadium: Victoria Park
Attendance: 5,294 (688 away fans)
Referee: Michael Ryan

Burton Albion v Hartlepool United 7 December 2003 Second round|  Burton Albion | 0–1|  Hartlepool United | Burton

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|
|

15:00 |  | Report | Porter 70' | Stadium: Eton Park
Attendance: 3,132 (468 away fans)
Referee: Phil Crossley

Sunderland v Hartlepool United 3 January 2004 Third round|  Sunderland | 1–0|  Hartlepool United | Sunderland

|
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|
|

15:00 | Arca 53' | Report |  | Stadium: Stadium of Light
Attendance: 40,816 (9,109 away fans)
Referee: Graham Barber

### League Cup

[edit]

Main article: 2003–04 Football League Cup

Sheffield Wednesday v Hartlepool United 13 August 2003 First round|  Sheffield Wednesday | 2–2 (a.e.t.)
(4–5 p)|  Hartlepool United | Sheffield

|
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|
|

19:45 | Lee 50'
Wood 115' | Report | Robinson 56' (pen.)
Istead 104' | Stadium: Hillsborough Stadium
Attendance: 13,410 (1,099 away fans)
Referee: George Cain
| Penalties|
Quinn
Smith
Kuqi
Cooke
Barry-Murphy |  | Robinson
Henderson
Robson
Jordan
Strachan

Hartlepool United v West Brom 23 September 2003 Second round|  Hartlepool United | 1–2|  West Brom | Hartlepool

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|
|

19:45 | Robinson 45' (pen.) | Report | Clement 62'
Hulse 81' | Stadium: Victoria Park
Attendance: 5,265 (566 away fans)
Referee: Phil Prosser

### League Trophy

[edit]

Main article: 2003–04 Football League Trophy

Oldham Athletic v Hartlepool United 14 October 2003 First round|  Oldham Athletic | 3–3
(5–3 p)|  Hartlepool United | Oldham

|
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|
|

19:45 | Zola 6'
Vernon 22'
Boshell 71' | Report | Williams 12'
Clarke 59', 90' | Stadium: Boundary Park
Attendance: 3,575 (103 away fans)
Referee: Fraser Stretton
| Penalties|
Vernon
Boshell
Holden
Hudson
Clegg |  | Robinson
Robinson
Tinkler
Boyd

## References

[edit]

1. ^ "Average League Attendances 2003-2004". East Midlands Football. Retrieved 23 September 2020.
2. ^ Errington, Malcolm (2012). Hartlepool United The Complete Record. Derby: The Derby Books Publishing Company Limited. p. 79–80, 290. ISBN 978-1-78091-030-7.
3. ^ a b Errington, Malcolm (2012). Hartlepool United The Complete Record. Derby: The Derby Books Publishing Company Limited. p. 289–290. ISBN 978-1-78091-030-7.
4. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Errington, Malcolm (2012). Hartlepool United The Complete Record. Derby: The Derby Books Publishing Company Limited. p. 80\. ISBN 978-1-78091-030-7.
5. ^ Errington, Malcolm (2012). Hartlepool United The Complete Record. Derby: The Derby Books Publishing Company Limited. p. 293\. ISBN 978-1-78091-030-7.
6. ^ a b c d e f g h i Errington, Malcolm (2012). Hartlepool United The Complete Record. Derby: The Derby Books Publishing Company Limited. p. 81\. ISBN 978-1-78091-030-7.
7. ^ "First team squad". FootballSquads. Retrieved 23 September 2020.
8. ^ "Andy Jordan". In The Mad Crowd. Retrieved 7 April 2021.
9. ^ "Paul Robinson". In The Mad Crowd. Retrieved 7 April 2021.
10. ^ "Gavin Strachan". In The Mad Crowd. Retrieved 7 April 2021.
11. ^ "Ryan McCann". In The Mad Crowd. Retrieved 7 April 2021.
12. ^ "Dimi Konstantopoulos". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 7 April 2021.
13. ^ "Joel Porter". In The Mad Crowd. Retrieved 7 April 2021.
14. ^ "Scott Walker". In The Mad Crowd. Retrieved 7 April 2021.
15. ^ "Hugh Robertson - Player Profile". Sky Sports. Retrieved 7 April 2021.
16. ^ "Carson ponders Ports move". BBC Sport. 26 July 2004. Retrieved 5 April 2021.
17. ^ "Danny Byrne". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 8 April 2021.
18. ^ "Pool extend Shuker stay". BBC Sport. 10 February 2004. Retrieved 8 April 2021.
19. ^ "Neil Danns". In The Mad Crowd. Retrieved 7 April 2021.
20. ^ "Pool keep Danns". Teesside Live. 19 June 2003.
21. ^ "Transfers - October 2003". BBC Sport. 16 October 2003. Retrieved 8 April 2021.
22. ^ "Marcus Richardson". In The Mad Crowd. Retrieved 8 April 2021.
23. ^ "Gabbiadini quites football". BBC Sport. 19 January 2004. Retrieved 8 April 2021.
24. ^ "Paul Arnison". In The Mad Crowd. Retrieved 8 April 2021.
25. ^ "Hartlepool release quartet". BBC Sport. 25 May 2004. Retrieved 8 April 2021.
26. ^ "Hartlepool release quartet". BBC Sport. 25 May 2004. Retrieved 8 April 2021.
27. ^ "Hartlepool release quartet". BBC Sport. 25 May 2004. Retrieved 8 April 2021.
28. ^ "Paul Arnison". BBC Sport. 25 May 2004. Retrieved 8 April 2021.
29. ^ "Cambridge seal Easter deal". BBC Sport. 25 May 2004. Retrieved 8 April 2021.
30. ^ "Marcus Richardson". In The Mad Crowd. Retrieved 8 April 2021.
31. ^ "Marcus Richardson". In The Mad Crowd. Retrieved 8 April 2021.
32. ^ "Transfers - October 2003". BBC Sport. 16 October 2003. Retrieved 8 April 2021.
33. ^ "England 2003–04". Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation. Archived from the original on 27 January 2010. Retrieved 24 February 2010.

* v
* t
* e

Hartlepool United Football Club

The club|

* History
* Managers
* Players
* Seasons
* Records and statistics
* Women's team

Ground|

* Victoria Park

Matches|

* 2005 Football League One play-off final
* 2021 National League play-off final

* v
* t
* e

Hartlepool United F.C. seasons

* 1965–66
* 1966–67
* 1990–91
* 1991–92
* 1992–93
* 1993–94
* 1994–95
* 1995–96
* 1996–97
* 1997–98
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* 2003–04
* 2004–05
* 2005–06
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* 2012–13
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* 2015–16
* 2016–17
* 2017–18
* 2018–19
* 2019–20
* 2020–21
* 2021–22
* 2022–23

* v
* t
* e

2003–04 in English football

« 2002–03

2004–05 »

National teams|

* UEFA Euro 2004 (Qualification Group 7, Group B, Knockout stage)
* Sven-Göran Eriksson

League competitions|

| Level 1|

* Premier League

|

Levels 2–4|

* Football League (First Division, Second Division, Third Division, play-offs)

Level 5|

* Football Conference

Levels 6–7|

* Isthmian League (Premier, One North, One South)
* Northern Premier League (Premier, One)
* Southern League (Premier, Eastern, Western)

Levels 8–9|

* Isthmian League (Two)
* Combined Counties League (Premier, One)
* Eastern Counties League (Premier, One)
* Essex Senior League (level 9 only)
* Hellenic League (Premier, One East, One West)
* Kent League (level 8 only)
* Midland Alliance (level 8 only)
* Midland Football Combination (level 9 only)
* North West Counties League (One, Two)
* Northern Counties East League (Premier, One)
* Northern League (One, Two)
* Spartan South Midlands League (Premier, One)
* Sussex County League (One, Two)
* United Counties League (Premier, One)
* Wessex League (level 8 only)
* West Midlands (Regional) League (level 9 only)
* Western League (Premier, One)

Cup competitions|

| FA cups|

* FA Cup (Qualifying rounds, Final)
* Community Shield
* FA Trophy (Final)

|

Football League cups|

* League Cup (Final)
* Football League Trophy (Final)

European competitions|

* Champions League
* UEFA Cup

Club seasons

Premier League|

* Arsenal
* Aston Villa
* Birmingham City
* Blackburn Rovers
* Bolton Wanderers
* Charlton Athletic
* Chelsea
* Everton
* Fulham
* Leeds United
* Leicester City
* Liverpool
* Manchester City
* Manchester United
* Middlesbrough
* Newcastle United
* Portsmouth
* Southampton
* Tottenham Hotspur
* Wolverhampton Wanderers

First Division|

* Bradford City
* Burnley
* Cardiff City
* Coventry City
* Crewe Alexandra
* Crystal Palace
* Derby County
* Gillingham
* Ipswich Town
* Millwall
* Norwich City
* Nottingham Forest
* Preston North End
* Reading
* Rotherham United
* Sheffield United
* Stoke City
* Sunderland
* Walsall
* Watford
* West Bromwich Albion
* West Ham United
* Wigan Athletic
* Wimbledon

Second Division|

* Barnsley
* Blackpool
* Bournemouth
* Brentford
* Brighton & Hove Albion
* Bristol City
* Chesterfield
* Colchester United
* Grimsby Town
* Hartlepool United
* Luton Town
* Notts County
* Oldham Athletic
* Peterborough United
* Plymouth Argyle
* Port Vale
* Queens Park Rangers
* Rushden & Diamonds
* Sheffield Wednesday
* Stockport County
* Swindon Town
* Tranmere Rovers
* Wrexham
* Wycombe Wanderers

Third Division|

* Boston United
* Bristol Rovers
* Bury
* Cambridge United
* Carlisle United
* Cheltenham Town
* Darlington
* Doncaster Rovers
* Huddersfield Town
* Hull City
* Kidderminster Harriers
* Leyton Orient
* Lincoln City
* Macclesfield Town
* Mansfield Town
* Northampton Town
* Oxford United
* Rochdale
* Scunthorpe United
* Southend United
* Swansea City
* Torquay United
* Yeovil Town
* York City

Non-League|

* Shrewsbury Town

* Summer 2003 transfers
* Winter 2003-04 transfers
* Summer 2004 transfers

*[No.]: Number
*[Pos.]: Position
*[GK]: Goalkeeper
*[DF]: Defender
*[MF]: Midfielder
*[FW]: Forward
*[Pos]: Position
*[v]: View this template
*[t]: Discuss this template
*[e]: Edit this template
*[Pld]: Played
*[W]: Wins
*[D]: Draws
*[L]: Losses
*[GF]: Goals for
*[GA]: Goals against
*[GD]: Goal difference
*[Pts]: Points