Pools boss Danny Wilson was pleased with the display by his players, particularly in the opening 45 minutes when his side had a couple of half-chances to take the lead.

Leicester pulled away once they took the lead though and Wilson conceded the quality shown by the big money players among the Foxes ranks made the difference.

Wilson said: "In the first half we had some terrific balls put in without making that final contact or the keeper getting himself in good areas.

"They played very well in patches and we played very well in patches and possibly we could have been a goal to the good going in at half-time.

"I did feel that little bit of an edge was in their favour but that is what you pay for. They are a formidable squad.

"These boys are Championship players if not Premiership players but we have given them a good run for their money.

He added: "The substitutions they made were quality, a bit of pace that caused us problems, but that is the artillery they carry.

"Every club this year will be up against that and really have to be on top of their game if they want to get anything out of it.

"I would like to think when we have a full side out that has got the experience in there it may be totally different."

Wilson felt the opening goal would be crucial to the outcome of the game and so it proved as the Foxes made the most of their advantage.

Ex-Pools striker Steve Howard was the man who tucked the ball away and was a class act throughout his 74 minutes on the pitch.

"Stevie Howard was a handful all night and he is arguably one of the best strikers in our division at what he does, if not the Championship," said Wilson.

"It was always going to be a difficult one for our defenders.

"I was a bit disappointed with how the goal went in. I thought it was a little bit too easy from our point of view defensively."

One of the plus points from the game was a debut for Jonny Rowell who replaced Alan Power just after the hour mark.

Rowell may well find himself involved again at Millwall on Saturday with Alan Power (ankle) and Ritchie Jones (groin) both injury doubts for the game.

"Jonny has got a massive learning curve in front of him but he has got to start somewhere and why not play him against a team with the quality of Leicester and let him understand what is in front of him if he is going to forge himself into league football," said Wilson.

"It is not easy. Alan Power has come into the side and he has been in some very tough games recently.

"Reserve team football is no match for league football, particularly when you are playing against the calibre of Leicester, West Brom, Colcester and Scunthorpe who we have played already this year.

"They carry experienced players and good players.

"To give the young lads experience at this level can only benefit them as we go along."