Hartlepool United 1 - 1 Bristol City

Hartlepool 1-1 Bristol City

Updated: May 15, 2004, 3:25 PM ET

Joel Porter's 75th minute strike kept Hartlepool's unlikely promotion push alive, earning them a draw with Bristol City in the first leg of the Second Division play-off semi-finals at Victoria Park.

Danny Wilson's visitors had taken the lead after just five minutes through Tony Rougier's powerful far-post header but after that they seemed happy to soak up Pools' attacks.

The home side had the better of the opening exchanges but Rougier, who has been a revelation since joining from Brentford on transfer deadline day, was on hand at the far post to convert Lee Peacock's cross from wide on the left.

The goal took the sting out of Hartlepool and City were now able to control possession, but the hosts did come close through Antony Sweeney's long-range shot and a Hugh Robertson free-kick.

Pools midfielder Ritchie Humphreys shot wide from 18 yards in the second period then with nearly an hour gone the Victoria Park crowd were enraged when Robins goalkeeper Steve Phillips looked to have brought Eifion Williams down after Humphreys' clever pass but referee Paul Taylor was unmoved.

That decision was largely forgotten 15 minutes later though when Porter capitalised on hesitancy in the City defence, racing clear of the on-rushing Phillips to slide the ball into the back of the net to give his side plenty to play for in the return game at Ashton Gate as they aim for a place in the First Division for the first time in their history.