Player of the weekend

Last updated : 19 March 2007 By Gary Moss

Hartlepool United's Richie Barker


Pool striker Richie Barker inspired his side to salvage a point after trailing 3-0 against in form Stockport County.


Barker netted twice in the second half to complete the league leaders amazing fightback.


Even at 3-0 down the striker never stopped running and in the end was rewarded with two goals to complete a spirited revival.


His continued work ethic and commitment to the cause spurred on a fantastic comeback to keep the Pool's unbeaten run on the go.

Hartlepool
are now 21 games without a league loss and three points clear at the top of League Two.


Wilson
praised his forward and the rest of his team telling the BBC: "What a team and what a comeback".


Barker, 31, was signed for United in the January transfer window from League Two rivals Mansfield. The experienced striker was a fans favourite at Field Mill after scoring 23 league goals last season for the Stags.


The Sheffield born marksman is again in top form this term, scoring

Barker...81 career goals
21 goals in all competition so far already.


Barker is yet to experience defeat in his Hartlepool and will be confident of seeing out his contract next season in League One.


He has also had spells at Sheffield Wednesday, Brighton, Rotherham United and Macclesfield Towm. Although never playing at the top level, Barker has been a great servant to lower leagues football where he has always be renowned for his goal scoring, with 81 career goals.