Hartlepool United v Cheltenham Town, 28 August 2000

Hartlepool pipped Cheltenham to a Play-Off place on the last day of last season so the visiting Robins gained some revenge as they retained their 2000/01 unbeaten record. The Bank Holiday crowd were served rather turgid fare though as neither team look capable of repeating their success of last term. Cheltenham took the honours in the first half but were repeatedly denied by Martin Hollund. The Norwegian keeper repelled good efforts from Neil Howarth (twice) and Jason White. Craig Midgley also went close for the home team before the break, and that seemed to ignite a more concerted effort in part two. Twin strikers Kevin Henderson and Tony Lormor both tested Town goalie Steve Book before Midgley spurned their best chance with a shot that flew wide. Julian Alsop's last minute header nearly brought a repeat of the visitors' 1-0 Victoria Park victory of last season, but Hollund again proved their match.