Hanging the monkeys

United went to the Victoria Ground to play Hartlepool (when did they stop being called Hartlepools, or were they never call that?) for the first time in almost forty years, and came back with all three points thanks to a Paul Moody strike in the third minute of the second half. The result ends a sequence of seven games without a win for United and hopefully will signal a revival of fortunes for the Us.

Mark Wright started with a more defensive 5-3-2 formation, Sam Stockley regaining his right wing-back position. Manny Omoyinmi was dropped to the bench in place of Robert Quinn, making his first start of the season. United's first substitution was to bring Sam Ricketts on in plac of the clearly tiring Paul Powell. An equally knackered Moody was later replaced by loan striker Stuart Douglas, followed shortly by Jamie Brooks, who had requested that he come off, replaced by ROS Rob Folland.

Referee Steve Baines showed some sympathy for United when he booked Scott Guyett for a challenge that others would have dismissed him for (reminiscent of Paul Tait's against Shrewsbury), although Baines is obviously a sensible bloke as he hasn't sent anyone off yet all season. Dave Savage also saw yellow in a game that was witnessed by 3,595 spectators. A match report is now online here.

United have risen to 18th position, equidistant in points from the last play-off place and the last divisional place. Luton have gone back to the top after their 3-0 win over Swansea whilst Halifax remain bottom thanks to their 0-0 draw with Carlisle. The only former United player to find the net in the league was Marco Gabbiadini, who scored Northampton's first in their 3-3 draw at Cambridge.

Up the M1 for the Cup

In the first round draw of the FA Cup United have been drawn away to Mansfield Town. The game will take place on Saturday 17th November.