2003–04 Hartlepool United F.C. season

{{Main|2002–03 Hartlepool United F.C. season}}

{{see also|History of Hartlepool United F.C.|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.{{cite book |first1=Malcolm |last1=Errington |title=Hartlepool United The Complete Record |year=2012 |publisher=The Derby Books Publishing Company Limited |location=Derby |isbn=978-1-78091-030-7 |page=79–80, 290}} Turner had turned around the club's fortunes since his appointment in February 1999.{{cite book |first1=Malcolm |last1=Errington |title=Hartlepool United The Complete Record |year=2012 |publisher=The Derby Books Publishing Company Limited |location=Derby |isbn=978-1-78091-030-7 |page=289–290}} After ensuring survival for Hartlepool in the Third Division in his first season, Turner oversaw three consecutive play-off finishes. Turner's successor was Mike Newell who inherited a side four points clear at the top of the league.{{cite book |first1=Malcolm |last1=Errington |title=Hartlepool United The Complete Record |year=2012 |publisher=The Derby Books Publishing Company Limited |location=Derby |isbn=978-1-78091-030-7 |page=80}} Hartlepool managed to build a 12 point lead at the top of the division by early 2003 ahead of Rushden & Diamonds. 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.{{cite book |first1=Malcolm |last1=Errington |title=Hartlepool United The Complete Record |year=2012 |publisher=The Derby Books Publishing Company Limited |location=Derby |isbn=978-1-78091-030-7 |page=293}} Despite winning promotion in second place, Newell's contract was not renewed.

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

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

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. The Sunderland match saw an attendance of over 40,000 supporters; breaking the attendance record for any Hartlepool match.{{cite book |first1=Malcolm |last1=Errington |title=Hartlepool United The Complete Record |year=2012 |publisher=The Derby Books Publishing Company Limited |location=Derby |isbn=978-1-78091-030-7 |page=81}} The First Division side narrowly won 1–0 courtesy of an impressive goal by Julio Arca.

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

{{updated|End of Season.}}{{cite web |url=http://www.footballsquads.co.uk/eng/2003-2004/d2/hartlepl.htm |title=First team squad|publisher=FootballSquads|access-date=23 September 2020}}

{{fs start}}

{{fs player|no=1 |nat=WAL |pos=GK |name=Anthony Williams}}

{{fs player|no=2 |nat=ENG |pos=DF |name=Michael Barron}}

{{fs player|no=3 |nat=ENG |pos=DF |name=Mark Robinson}}

{{fs player|no=4 |nat=ENG |pos=MF |name=Mark Tinkler}}

{{fs player|no=5 |nat=ENG |pos=DF |name=Michael Nelson}}

{{fs player|no=6 |nat=ENG |pos=DF |name=Chris Westwood}}

{{fs player|no=7 |nat=ENG |pos=MF |name=Darrell Clarke}}

{{fs player|no=8 |nat=ENG |pos=MF |name=Ritchie Humphreys}}

{{fs player|no=9 |nat=WAL |pos=FW |name=Eifion Williams}}

{{fs player|no=12 |nat=NIR |pos=MF |name=Stephen Carson}}

{{fs player|no=14 |nat=GUY |pos=MF |name=Neil Danns}}

{{fs player|no=15 |nat=ENG |pos=FW |name=Adam Boyd}}

{{fs player|no=16 |nat=SCO |pos=DF |name=Hugh Robertson}}

{{fs player|no=17 |nat=WAL |pos=FW |name=Jermaine Easter}}

{{fs player|no=18 |nat=ENG |pos=MF |name=Antony Sweeney}}

{{fs player|no=19 |nat=ENG |pos=GK |name=Jim Provett}}

{{fs mid}}

{{fs player|no=20 |nat=ENG |pos=DF |name=John Brackstone}}

{{fs player|no=21 |nat=ENG |pos=MF |name=Steven Istead}}

{{fs player|no=22 |nat=ENG |pos=MF |name=Matty Robson}}

{{fs player|no=23 |nat=ENG |pos=FW |name=Paul Robinson}}

{{fs player|no=24 |nat=SCO |pos=DF |name=Andy Jordan}}

{{fs player|no=25 |nat=SCO |pos=MF |name=Gavin Strachan}}

{{fs player|no=26 |nat=AUS |pos=DF |name=Adam van Dommele}}

{{fs player|no=27 |nat=ENG |pos=FW |name=David Foley}}

{{fs player|no=28 |nat=SCO |pos=DF |name=Ryan McCann}}

{{fs player|no=29 |nat=ENG |pos=DF |name=Darren Craddock}}

{{fs player|no=30 |nat=GRC |pos=GK |name=Dimitrios Konstantopoulos}}

{{fs player|no=31 |nat=ENG |pos=FW |name=Jack Wilkinson}}

{{fs player|no=32 |nat=AUS |pos=FW |name=Joel Porter}}

{{fs player|no=33 |nat=SCO |pos=DF |name=Scott Walker}}

{{fs player|no=34 |nat=ENG |pos=FW |name=Andrew Appleby}}

{{fs end}}

{{notelist}}

{{notelist}}

{{notelist}}

{{football box collapsible

| date = {{Start date|2003|07|16|df=y}}

| time = 19:00

| team1 = TOP Oss

| score = 0–6

| report = [http://inthemadcrowd.co.uk/UI/Match.aspx?oid=4652]

| team2 = Hartlepool United

| goals1 =

| goals2 = Williams {{goal}}{{goal}}{{goal}}
Clarke {{goal}}
Richardson {{goal}}
Henderson {{goal}}

| location = Frans Heesen Stadion, Oss

| attendance =

| referee =

| result = W

}}

{{football box collapsible

| date = {{Start date|2003|07|18|df=y}}

| time = 19:00

| team1 = Heerenveen

| score = 3–3

| report = [http://inthemadcrowd.co.uk/UI/Match.aspx?oid=4653]

| team2 = Hartlepool United

| goals1 = Håkansson {{goal}}{{goal}}{{goal}}

| goals2 = Westwood {{goal}}
Gabbiadini {{goal}}
Tinkler {{goal}}

| location = Abe Lenstra Stadion, Heerenveen

| attendance =

| referee =

| result = D

}}

{{football box collapsible

| date = {{Start date|2003|07|23|df=y}}

| time = 15:00

| team1 = Sunderland Reserves

| score = 1–1

| report = [http://inthemadcrowd.co.uk/UI/Match.aspx?oid=4654]

| team2 = Hartlepool United

| goals1 = Flo {{goal}}

| goals2 = Robinson {{goal}}

| location = Academy of Light, Sunderland

| attendance =

| referee =

| result = D

}}

{{football box collapsible

| date = {{Start date|2003|07|25|df=y}}

| time = 19:00

| team1 = Leeds United

| score = 4–3

| report = [http://inthemadcrowd.co.uk/UI/Match.aspx?oid=4655]

| team2 = Hartlepool United

| goals1 =

| goals2 = Robinson {{goal}}
Williams {{goal}}
Clarke {{goal}}

| location = Elland Road, Leeds

| attendance =

| referee =

| result = L

}}

{{football box collapsible

| date = {{Start date|2003|07|27|df=y}}

| time = 15:00

| team1 = Hartlepool United

| score = 1–3

| report = [http://inthemadcrowd.co.uk/UI/Match.aspx?oid=4656]

| team2 = Sheffield Wednesday

| goals1 = Henderson {{goal|42}}

| goals2 = Owusu {{goal|12}}
McClaren {{goal|13}}
Armstrong {{goal|56}}

| location = Victoria Park, Hartlepool

| attendance =

| referee =

| result = L

}}

{{football box collapsible

| date = {{Start date|2003|07|29|df=y}}

| time = 19:00

| team1 = Berwick Rangers

| score = 2–3

| report = [http://inthemadcrowd.co.uk/UI/Match.aspx?oid=4657]

| team2 = Hartlepool United

| goals1 =

| goals2 = Robinson {{goal|pen.}}
Williams {{goal}}
Clarke {{goal}}

| location = Shielfield Park, Berwick-upon-Tweed

| attendance =

| referee =

| result = W

}}

{{football box collapsible

| date = {{Start date|2003|07|30|df=y}}

| time = 19:00

| team1 = Billingham Town

| score = 1–4

| report = [http://inthemadcrowd.co.uk/UI/Match.aspx?oid=4658]

| team2 = Hartlepool United

| goals1 =

| goals2 = Moore {{goal|3| |41}}
Henderson {{goal|30}}
Robson {{goal|78}}

| location = Bedford Terrace, Billingham

| attendance =

| referee =

| result = W

}}

{{football box collapsible

| date = {{Start date|2003|08|01|df=y}}

| time = 19:00

| team1 = Hartlepool United

| score = 0–6

| report = [http://inthemadcrowd.co.uk/UI/Match.aspx?oid=4659]

| team2 = Newcastle United

| goals1 =

| goals2 = Bellamy {{goal|9}}
Shearer {{goal|17| |28| |35}}
Solano {{goal|47}}
Speed {{goal|52}}

| location = Victoria Park, Hartlepool

| attendance = 4,712

| referee =

| result = L

}}

{{football box collapsible

| date = {{Start date|2003|08|02|df=y}}

| time = 15:00

| team1 = Whitby Town

| score = 0–1

| report = [http://inthemadcrowd.co.uk/UI/Match.aspx?oid=4660]

| team2 = Hartlepool United

| goals1 =

| goals2 = Henderson {{goal|44}}

| location = Turnbull Ground, Whitby

| attendance =

| referee =

| result = W

}}

{{Main|2003–04 Football League}}

{{:2003–04 Football League|transcludesection=Second Division|only_totals=y|showteam=HAR}}

{{Fb_rs |hw=10 |hd=8 |hl=5 |hgf=39 |hga=24 |aw=10 |ad=5 |al=8 |agf=37 |aga=37}}

{{#invoke:sports rbr table|table|legendpos=b

|header=Round

|label1= Ground

| res1=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

|label2= Result

| res2=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

|label3= Position

| res3=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

|text_H=Home|text_A=Away

|color_W=green2|text_W=Win

|color_D=yellow2|text_D=Draw

|color_L=red2|text_L=Loss

|color_1=1st|color_2=2nd|color_3-6=blue1|color_21-=red1

}}

{{football box collapsible

| date = {{Start date|2003|08|09|df=y}}

| time = 15:00

| round = 1

| team1 = Peterborough United

| score = 3–4

| report = [http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_2/3113687.stm]

| team2 = Hartlepool United

| goals1 = Arber {{goal|18}}
Clarke {{goal|23| |51}}

| goals2 = Strachan {{goal|38}}
Robinson {{goal|55}}
Robson {{goal|70}}
Nelson {{goal|85}}

| location = London Road, Peterborough

| attendance = 5,965 (990 away fans)

| referee = Grant Hegley

| result = W

}}

{{football box collapsible

| date = {{Start date|2003|08|16|df=y}}

| time = 15:00

| round = 2

| team1 = Hartlepool United

| score = 0–0

| report = [http://inthemadcrowd.co.uk/UI/Match.aspx?oid=4067]

| team2 = Tranmere Rovers

| goals1 =

| goals2 =

| location = Victoria Park, Hartlepool

| attendance = 5,357 (445 away fans)

| referee = Lee Mason

| result = D

}}

{{football box collapsible

| date = {{Start date|2003|08|23|df=y}}

| time = 15:00

| round = 3

| team1 = Bristol City

| score = 1–1

| report = [http://inthemadcrowd.co.uk/UI/Match.aspx?oid=4068]

| team2 = Hartlepool United

| goals1 = Peacock {{goal|56}}

| goals2 = Gabbiadini {{goal|73}}

| location = Ashton Gate, Bristol

| attendance = 10,730 (250 away fans)

| referee = Andy Hall

| result = D

}}

{{football box collapsible

| date = {{Start date|2003|08|25|df=y}}

| time = 15:00

| round = 4

| team1 = Hartlepool United

| score = 2–0

| report = [http://inthemadcrowd.co.uk/UI/Match.aspx?oid=4069]

| team2 = Port Vale

| goals1 = Robinson {{goal|2}}
Gabbiadini {{goal|88|pen.}}

| goals2 =

| location = Victoria Park, Hartlepool

| attendance = 5,314 (478 away fans)

| referee = Paul Robinson

| result = W

}}

{{football box collapsible

| date = {{Start date|2003|08|30|df=y}}

| time = 15:00

| round = 5

| team1 = Luton Town

| score = 3–2

| report = [http://inthemadcrowd.co.uk/UI/Match.aspx?oid=4070]

| team2 = Hartlepool United

| goals1 = Howard {{goal|6| |23}}
McSheffrey {{goal|14}}

| goals2 = Clarke {{goal|40}}
Robinson {{goal|71|pen.}}

| location = Kenilworth Road, Luton

| attendance = 5,515 (573 away fans)

| referee = Brian Curson

| result = L

}}

{{football box collapsible

| date = {{Start date|2003|09|06|df=y}}

| time = 15:00

| round = 6

| team1 = Hartlepool United

| score = 0–0

| report = [http://inthemadcrowd.co.uk/UI/Match.aspx?oid=4071]

| team2 = Oldham Athletic

| goals1 =

| goals2 =

| location = Victoria Park, Hartlepool

| attendance = 5,728 (836 away fans)

| referee = Andy Penn

| result = D

}}

{{football box collapsible

| date = {{Start date|2003|09|12|df=y}}

| time = 19:45

| round = 7

| team1 = Hartlepool United

| score = 8–1

| report = [http://inthemadcrowd.co.uk/UI/Match.aspx?oid=4072]

| team2 = Grimsby Town

| goals1 = Rowan {{goal|19|O.G.}}
Robinson {{goal|20|pen.| |56| |80}}
Strachan {{goal|28}}
Humphreys {{goal|31}}
Gabbiadini {{goal|60}}
Williams {{goal|66}}

| goals2 = Rowan {{goal|48}}

| location = Victoria Park, Hartlepool

| attendance = 5,528 (272 away fans)

| referee = Scott Mathieson

| result = W

}}

{{football box collapsible

| date = {{Start date|2003|09|16|df=y}}

| time = 19:45

| round = 8

| team1 = Stockport County

| score = 1–2

| report = [http://inthemadcrowd.co.uk/UI/Match.aspx?oid=4073]

| team2 = Hartlepool United

| goals1 = Wilbraham {{goal|43}}

| goals2 = Williams {{goal|8}}
Gabbiadini {{goal|54}}

| location = Edgeley Park, Stockport

| attendance = 4,021

| referee = Tony Leake

| result = W

}}

{{football box collapsible

| date = {{Start date|2003|09|20|df=y}}

| time = 15:00

| round = 9

| team1 = Brentford

| score = 2–1

| report = [http://inthemadcrowd.co.uk/UI/Match.aspx?oid=4074]

| team2 = Hartlepool United

| goals1 = Sonko {{goal|13}}
Wright {{goal|48}}

| goals2 = Tinkler {{goal|42}}

| location = Griffin Park, Brentford

| attendance = 4,501 (592 away fans)

| referee = Tony Bates

| result = L

}}

{{football box collapsible

| date = {{Start date|2003|09|27|df=y}}

| time = 15:00

| round = 10

| team1 = Hartlepool United

| score = 0–0

| report = [http://inthemadcrowd.co.uk/UI/Match.aspx?oid=4076]

| team2 = Brighton & Hove Albion

| goals1 =

| goals2 =

| location = Victoria Park, Hartlepool

| attendance = 5,443 (446 away fans)

| referee = Alan Butler

| result = D

}}

{{football box collapsible

| date = {{Start date|2003|09|30|df=y}}

| time = 19:45

| round = 11

| team1 = Hartlepool United

| score = 2–0

| report = [http://inthemadcrowd.co.uk/UI/Match.aspx?oid=4077]

| team2 = Wrexham

| goals1 = Clarke {{goal|23| |37}}

| goals2 =

| location = Victoria Park, Hartlepool

| attendance = 4,677 (104 away fans)

| referee = Chris Foy

| result = W

}}

{{football box collapsible

| date = {{Start date|2003|10|04|df=y}}

| time = 15:00

| round = 12

| team1 = AFC Bournemouth

| score = 2–2

| report = [http://inthemadcrowd.co.uk/UI/Match.aspx?oid=4078]

| team2 = Hartlepool United

| goals1 = Holmes {{goal|79}}
Feeney {{goal|81}}

| goals2 = Tinkler {{goal|10}}
Strachan {{goal|90}}

| location = Dean Court, Bournemouth

| attendance = 6,342 (263 away fans)

| referee = Steve Tomlin

| result = D

}}

{{football box collapsible

| date = {{Start date|2003|10|10|df=y}}

| time = 19:45

| round = 13

| team1 = Hartlepool United

| score = 1–1

| report = [http://inthemadcrowd.co.uk/UI/Match.aspx?oid=4079]

| team2 = Sheffield Wednesday

| goals1 = Gabbiadini {{goal|84}}

| goals2 = Owusu {{goal|47}}

| location = Victoria Park, Hartlepool

| attendance = 7,448 (916 away fans)

| referee = Graham Salisbury

| result = D

}}

{{football box collapsible

| date = {{Start date|2003|10|18|df=y}}

| time = 15:00

| round = 14

| team1 = Blackpool

| score = 4–0

| report = [http://inthemadcrowd.co.uk/UI/Match.aspx?oid=4081]

| team2 = Hartlepool United

| goals1 = Douglas {{goal|4}}
Taylor {{goal|20| |40| |72|pen.}}

| goals2 =

| location = Bloomfield Road, Blackpool

| attendance = 6,871 (1,691 away fans)

| referee = Mike Pike

| result = L

}}

{{football box collapsible

| date = {{Start date|2003|10|21|df=y}}

| time = 19:45

| round = 15

| team1 = Chesterfield

| score = 1–2

| report = [http://inthemadcrowd.co.uk/UI/Match.aspx?oid=4082]

| team2 = Hartlepool United

| goals1 = Cade {{goal|53}}

| goals2 = Evatt {{goal|26|O.G.}}
Robinson {{goal|76}}

| location = Recreation Ground, Chesterfield

| attendance = 3,411 (321 away fans)

| referee = Lee Probert

| result = W

}}

{{football box collapsible

| date = {{Start date|2003|10|25|df=y}}

| time = 15:00

| round = 16

| team1 = Hartlepool United

| score = 1–1

| report = [http://inthemadcrowd.co.uk/UI/Match.aspx?oid=4083]

| team2 = Wycombe Wanderers

| goals1 = Barron {{goal|40}}

| goals2 = Currie {{goal|3}}

| location = Victoria Park, Hartlepool

| attendance = 5,153 (183 away fans)

| referee = Martin Atkinson

| result = D

}}

{{football box collapsible

| date = {{Start date|2003|11|01|df=y}}

| time = 15:00

| round = 17

| team1 = Notts County

| score = 1–0

| report = [http://inthemadcrowd.co.uk/UI/Match.aspx?oid=4084]

| team2 = Hartlepool United

| goals1 = Baldry {{goal|63}}

| goals2 =

| location = Meadow Lane, Nottingham

| attendance = 5,011 (675 away fans)

| referee = Paul Danson

| result = L

}}

{{football box collapsible

| date = {{Start date|2003|11|15|df=y}}

| time = 15:00

| round = 18

| team1 = Hartlepool United

| score = 2–1

| report = [http://inthemadcrowd.co.uk/UI/Match.aspx?oid=4086]

| team2 = Rushden & Diamonds

| goals1 = Strachan {{goal|41|pen.}}
Wilkinson {{goal|75}}

| goals2 = Jack {{goal|57}}

| location = Victoria Park, Hartlepool

| attendance = 4,944 (203 away fans)

| referee = Chris Foy

| result = W

}}

{{football box collapsible

| date = {{Start date|2003|11|22|df=y}}

| time = 15:00

| round = 19

| team1 = Plymouth Argyle

| score = 2–0

| report = [http://inthemadcrowd.co.uk/UI/Match.aspx?oid=4087]

| team2 = Hartlepool United

| goals1 = Keith {{goal|45}}
Lowndes {{goal|48}}

| goals2 =

| location = Home Park, Plymouth

| attendance = 9,000 (93 away fans)

| referee = Iain Williamson

| result = L

}}

{{football box collapsible

| date = {{Start date|2003|11|29|df=y}}

| time = 15:00

| round = 20

| team1 = Hartlepool United

| score = 2–0

| report = [http://inthemadcrowd.co.uk/UI/Match.aspx?oid=4088]

| team2 = Swindon Town

| goals1 = Strachan {{goal|18|pen.}}
Wilkinson {{goal|86}}

| goals2 =

| location = Victoria Park, Hartlepool

| attendance = 4,493 (358 away fans)

| referee = Eddie Evans

| result = W

}}

{{football box collapsible

| date = {{Start date|2003|12|13|df=y}}

| time = 15:00

| round = 21

| team1 = QPR

| score = 4–1

| report = [http://inthemadcrowd.co.uk/UI/Match.aspx?oid=4090]

| team2 = Hartlepool United

| goals1 = Gallen {{goal|27| |38}}
Padula {{goal|34}}
Ainsworth {{goal|50}}

| goals2 = Williams {{goal|71}}

| location = Loftus Road, London

| attendance = 15,003 (615 away fans)

| referee = Andre Marriner

| result = L

}}

{{football box collapsible

| date = {{Start date|2003|12|20|df=y}}

| time = 15:00

| round = 22

| team1 = Hartlepool United

| score = 0–0

| report = [http://inthemadcrowd.co.uk/UI/Match.aspx?oid=4091]

| team2 = Colchester United

| goals1 =

| goals2 =

| location = Victoria Park, Hartlepool

| attendance = 4,135 (135 away fans)

| referee = Tony Leake

| result = D

}}

{{football box collapsible

| date = {{Start date|2003|12|26|df=y}}

| time = 15:00

| round = 23

| team1 = Hartlepool United

| score = 1–2

| report = [http://inthemadcrowd.co.uk/UI/Match.aspx?oid=4092]

| team2 = Barnsley

| goals1 = Williams {{goal|22}}

| goals2 = Betsy {{goal|45| |69}}

| location = Victoria Park, Hartlepool

| attendance = 6,520 (925 away fans)

| referee = Mark Halsey

| result = L

}}

{{football box collapsible

| date = {{Start date|2003|12|28|df=y}}

| time = 15:00

| round = 24

| team1 = Oldham Athletic

| score = 0–2

| report = [http://inthemadcrowd.co.uk/UI/Match.aspx?oid=4093]

| team2 = Hartlepool United

| goals1 =

| goals2 = Williams {{goal|45}}
Porter {{goal|79}}

| location = Boundary Park, Oldham

| attendance = 6,243 (541 away fans)

| referee = Joe Ross

| result = W

}}

{{football box collapsible

| date = {{Start date|2004|01|10|df=y}}

| time = 15:00

| round = 25

| team1 = Hartlepool United

| score = 1–0

| report = [http://inthemadcrowd.co.uk/UI/Match.aspx?oid=4095]

| team2 = Peterborough United

| goals1 = Williams {{goal|37}}

| goals2 =

| location = Victoria Park, Hartlepool

| attendance = 4,855 (192 away fans)

| referee = David Pugh

| result = W

}}

{{football box collapsible

| date = {{Start date|2004|01|17|df=y}}

| time = 15:00

| round = 26

| team1 = Tranmere Rovers

| score = 0–0

| report = [http://inthemadcrowd.co.uk/UI/Match.aspx?oid=4096]

| team2 = Hartlepool United

| goals1 =

| goals2 =

| location = Prenton Park, Birkenhead

| attendance = 7,418 (366 away fans)

| referee = Mark Cowburn

| result = D

}}

{{football box collapsible

| date = {{Start date|2004|01|24|df=y}}

| time = 15:00

| round = 27

| team1 = Hartlepool United

| score = 1–2

| report = [http://inthemadcrowd.co.uk/UI/Match.aspx?oid=4097]

| team2 = Bristol City

| goals1 = Tinkler {{goal|70}}

| goals2 = Peacock {{goal|54}}
Tinnion {{goal|76}}

| location = Victoria Park, Hartlepool

| attendance = 5,375 (660 away fans)

| referee = Alan Kaye

| result = L

}}

{{football box collapsible

| date = {{Start date|2004|01|27|df=y}}

| time = 19:45

| round = 28

| team1 = Port Vale

| score = 2–5

| report = [http://inthemadcrowd.co.uk/UI/Match.aspx?oid=4098]

| team2 = Hartlepool United

| goals1 = Brooker {{goal|8}}
Cummins {{goal|87}}

| goals2 = Shuker {{goal|6}}
Humphreys {{goal|31}}
Nelson {{goal|69}}
Williams {{goal|74}}
Clarke {{goal|83}}

| location = Vale Park, Stoke-on-Trent

| attendance = 4,845 (95 away fans)

| referee = Scott Mathieson

| result = W

}}

{{football box collapsible

| date = {{Start date|2004|02|07|df=y}}

| time = 15:00

| round = 29

| team1 = Barnsley

| score = 2–2

| report = [http://inthemadcrowd.co.uk/UI/Match.aspx?oid=4099]

| team2 = Hartlepool United

| goals1 = Nardiello {{goal|56}}
Hayward {{goal|80}}

| goals2 = Williams {{goal|27}}
Tinkler {{goal|67}}

| location = Oakwell Stadium, Barnsley

| attendance = 9,220 (752 away fans)

| referee = Paul Robinson

| result = D

}}

{{football box collapsible

| date = {{Start date|2004|02|14|df=y}}

| time = 15:00

| round = 30

| team1 = Sheffield Wednesday

| score = 1–0

| report = [http://inthemadcrowd.co.uk/UI/Match.aspx?oid=4100]

| team2 = Hartlepool United

| goals1 = Ndumbu-Nsungu {{goal|80|pen.}}

| goals2 =

| location = Hillsborough Stadium, Sheffield

| attendance = 20,732 (2,144 away fans)

| referee = Alan Butler

| result = L

}}

{{football box collapsible

| date = {{Start date|2004|02|20|df=y}}

| time = 19:45

| round = 31

| team1 = Hartlepool United

| score = 1–1

| report = [http://inthemadcrowd.co.uk/UI/Match.aspx?oid=4101]

| team2 = Blackpool

| goals1 = Robertson {{goal|51}}

| goals2 = Sheron {{goal|74}}

| location = Victoria Park, Hartlepool

| attendance = 5,497 (403 away fans)

| referee = Mark Clattenburg

| result = D

}}

{{football box collapsible

| date = {{Start date|2004|02|28|df=y}}

| time = 15:00

| round = 32

| team1 = Wycombe Wanderers

| score = 3–4

| report = [http://inthemadcrowd.co.uk/UI/Match.aspx?oid=4102]

| team2 = Hartlepool United

| goals1 = Simpemba {{goal|8}}
McSporran {{goal|23}}
Tyson {{goal|64}}

| goals2 = Williams {{goal|4| |46}}
Robertson {{goal|10}}
Tinkler {{goal|39|pen}}

| location = The Causeway Stadium, High Wycombe

| attendance = 4,731 (349 away fans)

| referee = Mark Warren

| result = W

}}

{{football box collapsible

| date = {{Start date|2004|03|02|df=y}}

| time = 19:45

| round = 33

| team1 = Hartlepool United

| score = 2–0

| report = [http://inthemadcrowd.co.uk/UI/Match.aspx?oid=4103]

| team2 = Chesterfield

| goals1 = Williams {{goal|52}}
Tinkler {{goal|71}}

| goals2 =

| location = Victoria Park, Hartlepool

| attendance = 4,736 (195 away fans)

| referee = Carl Boyeson

| result = W

}}

{{football box collapsible

| date = {{Start date|2004|03|06|df=y}}

| time = 15:00

| round = 34

| team1 = Colchester United

| score = 1–2

| report = [http://inthemadcrowd.co.uk/UI/Match.aspx?oid=4104]

| team2 = Hartlepool United

| goals1 = Halford {{goal|35}}

| goals2 = Nelson {{goal|17}}
Istead {{goal|78}}

| location = Layer Road, Colchester

| attendance = 3,348 (320 away fans)

| referee = Trevor Kettle

| result = W

}}

{{football box collapsible

| date = {{Start date|2004|03|13|df=y}}

| time = 15:00

| round = 35

| team1 = Hartlepool United

| score = 1–4

| report = [http://inthemadcrowd.co.uk/UI/Match.aspx?oid=4105]

| team2 = QPR

| goals1 = Porter {{goal|88}}

| goals2 = Furlong {{goal|48| |74}}
Gallen {{goal|52}}
Rowlands {{goal|76}}

| location = Victoria Park, Hartlepool

| attendance = 6,519 (850 away fans)

| referee = Ray Oliver

| result = L

}}

{{football box collapsible

| date = {{Start date|2004|03|20|df=y}}

| time = 17:45

| round = 36

| team1 = Hartlepool United

| score = 2–2

| report = [http://inthemadcrowd.co.uk/UI/Match.aspx?oid=4106]

| team2 = Stockport County

| goals1 = Williams {{goal|10}}
Porter {{goal|58}}

| goals2 = Lambert {{goal|20|pen.}}
Daly {{goal|21}}

| location = Victoria Park, Hartlepool

| attendance = 4,674 (281 away fans)

| referee = Phil Prosser

| result = D

}}

{{football box collapsible

| date = {{Start date|2004|03|20|df=y}}

| time = 15:00

| round = 37

| team1 = Grimsby Town

| score = 0–2

| report = [http://inthemadcrowd.co.uk/UI/Match.aspx?oid=4107]

| team2 = Hartlepool United

| goals1 =

| goals2 = Boyd {{goal|29| |87}}

| location = Blundell Park, Cleethorpes

| attendance = 4,303 (506 away fans)

| referee = Lee Mason

| result = W

}}

{{football box collapsible

| date = {{Start date|2004|03|27|df=y}}

| time = 15:00

| round = 38

| team1 = Hartlepool United

| score = 1–2

| report = [http://inthemadcrowd.co.uk/UI/Match.aspx?oid=4108]

| team2 = Brentford

| goals1 = Boyd {{goal|38}}

| goals2 = Tabb {{goal|2}}
Dobson {{goal|33}}

| location = Victoria Park, Hartlepool

| attendance = 5,206 (235 away fans)

| referee = Michael Ryan

| result = L

}}

{{football box collapsible

| date = {{Start date|2004|04|03|df=y}}

| time = 15:00

| round = 39

| team1 = Brighton & Hove Albion

| score = 2–0

| report = [http://inthemadcrowd.co.uk/UI/Match.aspx?oid=4109]

| team2 = Hartlepool United

| goals1 = Knight {{goal|68}}
Iwelumo {{goal|90}}

| goals2 =

| location = Withdean Stadium, Brighton

| attendance = 6,257 (203 away fans)

| referee = Joe Ross

| result = L

}}

{{football box collapsible

| date = {{Start date|2004|04|06|df=y}}

| time = 19:45

| round = 40

| team1 = Hartlepool United

| score = 4–3

| report = [http://inthemadcrowd.co.uk/UI/Match.aspx?oid=4110]

| team2 = Luton Town

| goals1 = Sweeney {{goal|14}}
Boyd {{goal|53| |90|pen.}}
Robertson {{goal|55}}

| goals2 = Howard {{goal|3}}
Leary {{goal|31| |59}}

| location = Victoria Park, Hartlepool

| attendance = 4,434 (284 away fans)

| referee = Fraser Stretton

| result = W

}}

{{football box collapsible

| date = {{Start date|2004|04|10|df=y}}

| time = 15:00

| round = 41

| team1 = Hartlepool United

| score = 2–1

| report = [http://inthemadcrowd.co.uk/UI/Match.aspx?oid=4111]

| team2 = AFC Bournemouth

| goals1 = Boyd {{goal|38| |69}}

| goals2 = Hayter {{goal|31}}

| location = Victoria Park, Hartlepool

| attendance = 5,544 (238 away fans)

| referee = Phil Joslin

| result = W

}}

{{football box collapsible

| date = {{Start date|2004|04|12|df=y}}

| time = 15:00

| round = 42

| team1 = Wrexham

| score = 1–2

| report = [http://inthemadcrowd.co.uk/UI/Match.aspx?oid=4112]

| team2 = Hartlepool United

| goals1 = Barrett {{goal|71}}

| goals2 = Clarke {{goal|41}}
Danns {{goal|63}}

| location = Racecourse Ground, Wrexham

| attendance = 3,786 (425 away fans)

| referee = Trevor Parkes

| result = W

}}

{{football box collapsible

| date = {{Start date|2004|04|17|df=y}}

| time = 15:00

| round = 43

| team1 = Hartlepool United

| score = 4–0

| report = [http://inthemadcrowd.co.uk/UI/Match.aspx?oid=4113]

| team2 = Notts County

| goals1 = Humphreys {{goal|42}}
Boyd {{goal|55| |56}}
Robertson {{goal|69}}

| goals2 =

| location = Victoria Park, Hartlepool

| attendance = 5,629 (325 away fans)

| referee = Kevin Wright

| result = W

}}

{{football box collapsible

| date = {{Start date|2004|04|24|df=y}}

| time = 15:00

| round = 44

| team1 = Rushden & Diamonds

| score = 0–2

| report = [http://inthemadcrowd.co.uk/UI/Match.aspx?oid=4114]

| team2 = Hartlepool United

| goals1 =

| goals2 = Williams {{goal|56}}
Boyd {{goal|79}}

| location = Nene Park, Irthlingborough

| attendance = 4,568 (1,103 away fans)

| referee = Andre Marriner

| result = W

}}

{{football box collapsible

| date = {{Start date|2004|05|01|df=y}}

| time = 15:00

| round = 45

| team1 = Hartlepool United

| score = 1–3

| report = [http://inthemadcrowd.co.uk/UI/Match.aspx?oid=4115]

| team2 = Plymouth Argyle

| goals1 = Boyd {{goal|11}}

| goals2 = Hodges {{goal|12}}
Lowndes {{goal|42}}
Tinkler {{goal|48|O.G.}}

| location = Victoria Park, Hartlepool

| attendance = 7,437 (892 away fans)

| referee = Tony Leake

| result = L

}}

{{football box collapsible

| date = {{Start date|2004|05|08|df=y}}

| time = 15:00

| round = 46

| team1 = Swindon Town

| score = 1–1

| report = [http://inthemadcrowd.co.uk/UI/Match.aspx?oid=4116]

| team2 = Hartlepool United

| goals1 = Igoe {{goal|7}}

| goals2 = Boyd {{goal|71}}

| location = County Ground, Swindon

| attendance = 11,627 (1,468 away fans)

| referee = Mike Fletcher

| result = D

}}

{{football box collapsible

| date = {{Start date|2004|05|15|df=y}}

| time = 15:00

| round = Semi-final first leg

| team1 = Hartlepool United

| score = 1–1

| report = [http://inthemadcrowd.co.uk/UI/Match.aspx?oid=4117]

| team2 = Bristol City

| goals1 = Porter {{goal|74}}

| goals2 = Rougier {{goal|5}}

| location = Victoria Park, Hartlepool

| attendance = 7,211 (668 away fans)

| referee = Paul Taylor

| result = W

}}

{{football box collapsible

| date = {{Start date|2004|05|19|df=y}}

| time = 19:45

| round = Semi-final second leg

| team1 = Bristol City

| score = 2–1

| aggregatescore = 3–2

| report = [http://inthemadcrowd.co.uk/UI/Match.aspx?oid=4118]

| team2 = Hartlepool United

| goals1 = Goodfellow {{goal|88}}
Roberts {{goal|90}}

| goals2 = Sweeney {{goal|63}}

| location = Ashton Gate, Bristol

| attendance = 18,434 (1,168 away fans)

| referee = Graham Poll

| result = L

}}

{{main|2003–04 FA Cup}}

{{Football box collapsible

| round = First round

| date = 8 November 2003

| time = 15:00

| team1 = Hartlepool United

| score = 4–0

| report = http://www.inthemadcrowd.co.uk/ui/Match.aspx?oid=4085

| team2 = Whitby Town

| goals1 = Gabbiadini {{goal|25||30}}
Humphreys {{goal|51}}
Brackstone {{goal|68}}

| goals2 =

| stadium = Victoria Park

| location = Hartlepool

| attendance = 5,294 (688 away fans)

| referee = Michael Ryan

| result = W

}}

{{Football box collapsible

| round = Second round

| date = 7 December 2003

| time = 15:00

| team1 = Burton Albion

| score = 0–1

| report = http://www.inthemadcrowd.co.uk/ui/Match.aspx?oid=4089

| team2 = Hartlepool United

| goals1 =

| goals2 = Porter {{goal|70}}

| stadium = Eton Park

| location = Burton

| attendance = 3,132 (468 away fans)

| referee = Phil Crossley

| result = W

}}

{{Football box collapsible

| round = Third round

| date = 3 January 2004

| time = 15:00

| team1 = Sunderland

| score = 1–0

| report = http://www.inthemadcrowd.co.uk/ui/Match.aspx?oid=4094

| team2 = Hartlepool United

| goals1 = Arca {{goal|53}}

| goals2 =

| stadium = Stadium of Light

| location = Sunderland

| attendance = 40,816 (9,109 away fans)

| referee = Graham Barber

| result = L

}}

{{main|2003–04 Football League Cup}}

{{football box collapsible

| round = First round

| date = 13 August 2003

| time = 19:45

| team1 = Sheffield Wednesday

| score = 2–2

| aet = yes

| report = http://inthemadcrowd.co.uk/UI/Match.aspx?oid=4066

| team2 = Hartlepool United

| goals1 = Lee {{goal|50}}
Wood {{goal|115}}

| goals2 = Robinson {{goal|56|pen.}}
Istead {{goal|104}}

| penalties1 = Quinn {{pengoal}}
Smith {{penmiss}}
Kuqi {{pengoal}}
Cooke {{pengoal}}
Barry-Murphy {{pengoal}}

| penaltyscore = 4–5

| penalties2 = Robinson {{pengoal}}
Henderson {{pengoal}}
Robson {{pengoal}}
Jordan {{pengoal}}
Strachan {{pengoal}}

| stadium = Hillsborough Stadium

| location = Sheffield

| attendance = 13,410 (1,099 away fans)

| referee = George Cain

| result = D

}}

{{Football box collapsible

| round = Second round

| date = 23 September 2003

| time = 19:45

| team1 = Hartlepool United

| score = 1–2

| report = http://inthemadcrowd.co.uk/UI/Match.aspx?oid=4075

| team2 = West Brom

| goals1 = Robinson {{goal|45|pen.}}

| goals2 = Clement {{goal|62}}
Hulse {{goal|81}}

| stadium = Victoria Park

| location = Hartlepool

| attendance = 5,265 (566 away fans)

| referee = Phil Prosser

| result = L

}}

{{main|2003–04 Football League Trophy}}

{{Football box collapsible

| round = First round

| date = 14 October 2003

| time = 19:45

| team1 = Oldham Athletic

| score = 3–3

| report = http://inthemadcrowd.co.uk/UI/Match.aspx?oid=4080

| team2 = Hartlepool United

| goals1 = Zola {{goal|6}}
Vernon {{goal|22}}
Boshell {{goal|71}}

| goals2 = Williams {{goal|12}}
Clarke {{goal|59||90}}

| penalties1 = Vernon {{pengoal}}
Boshell {{pengoal}}
Holden {{pengoal}}
Hudson {{pengoal}}
Clegg {{pengoal}}

| penaltyscore = 5–3

| penalties2 = Robinson {{penmiss}}
Robinson {{pengoal}}
Tinkler {{pengoal}}
Boyd {{pengoal}}

| stadium = Boundary Park

| location = Oldham

| attendance = 3,575 (103 away fans)

| referee = Fraser Stretton

| result = D

}}

{{Reflist}}

{{Hartlepool United F.C.}}

{{Hartlepool United F.C. seasons}}

{{2003–04 in English football}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:2003-04 Hartlepool United F.C. season}}

Category:Hartlepool United F.C. seasons

Hartlepool United