Boreham Wood 2-2 Hartlepool United: Pools turn to winger Oates in goal after keeper injury

Rhys Oates went in goal on 54 minutes and did not concede for Hartlepool

Hartlepool United came away with a point from Boreham Wood thanks to Richie Bennett's late equaliser - despite playing 54 minutes without a recognised goalkeeper.

Ben Killip went off on 36 minutes with the score at 2-1 and, without a substitute goalkeeper, winger Rhys Oates was forced to don the gloves.

Oates kept a clean sheet in his portion of the match and Pools levelled late on through Bennett's header.

"Rhys was always going to be the one who went in goal," boss Dave Challinor told BBC Radio Tees.

"I suppose lads will try themselves in goals in training and things, and he's done alright to be fair.

"He's gone a bit nuts from diving around, he's kicked it well and he's a decent size. He's not had a quiet afternoon, he's put in good quality and the second-half contributed in a positive to getting us a point."

Tyrone Marsh had earlier fired the hosts ahead on five minutes at Meadow Park, but Gavan Holohan levelled for Hartlepool a minute later after latching onto Jamie Sterry's pass.

Corey Whitely put Boreham Wood ahead again, surging forward and tapping home at the near post in the 26th minute.

The loss of Killip put Pools under pressure but they held out and the late equaliser helped keep them pressure on leaders Sutton despite the dropped points.