FA Cup wrap: Hartlepool, Notts County advance

Hartlepool came from two goals down to beat Yeovil Town 4-2 in FA Cup second round on Tuesday, while Notts County were also victorious.

Antony Sweeney scored the second hat-trick of his career for League One side Hartlepool, who pulled off a dramatic comeback after falling behind to goals from Yeovil’s Andrew Williams and Edward Upson in the opening half hour.

The early goals from the visitors at Victoria Park shocked Hartlepool into action, with Sweeney scoring two goals in five minutes before the interval to draw the hosts level.

Sweeney turned provider just after the break to help put Hartlepool ahead, crossing from the left to set up Ritchie Humphreys, who finished the move with a spectacular overhead kick.

Humphreys returned the favour in the 59th minute, flicking the ball on for Sweeney to run on to and complete his hat-trick.

The win moves Hartlepool into the third round of the competition, where they will face Championship outfit Watford.

Elsewhere, Notts County had a far easier time in their 3-1 victory over Bournemouth.

Despite 14 places separating them in League One, it was lower ranked Notts who dominated this encounter at Meadow Lane.

Three first-half goals from Notts ensured the result was never in doubt, with Krystian Pearce getting things underway in the 18th minute, heading home from Neal Bishop’s cross.

Notts County continued to control possession and soon had a second through Lee Hughes, before Warren Cummings turned the ball into his own net after Thomas Ince had squared the ball across goal to put the hosts 3-0 up at the break.

With the game all but over, the second half offered few chances, although Bournemouth did manage to salvage some pride through a late goal from Steve Fletcher.

Notts County will meet Premier League side Sunderland in the next round of the competition.

The scheduled second-round replay between Lincoln City and Hereford United was postponed because of a frozen pitch and will now be played on December 21.