Hartlepool 0 Cambridge 5: Defensive shambles sees Pools put to the sword... yet again

Cambridge United made it nine goals conceded in just six days for Hartlepool United, by cruising to a four goal win at the Northern Gas & Power Stadium.
Craig Hignett.Craig Hignett.
Craig Hignett.

After an even first 45, where Pools were arguably the better of the two sides but had Trevor Carson to thank after he saved Luke Berry's 40th minute spot-kick, Craig Hignett's men produced what is becoming an all too familiar collapse.

Pools contrived to concede four goals in just 19 second-half minutes.

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The first came courtesy of James Dunne - the midfielder hammering home spectacularly from the edge of the area.

Number two came soon after. Free in the area Berry, who had earlier missed the chance to add to his four FA Cup goals last week from the penalty spot, made no mistake from six yards, having been found, free in the area, from the right.

Just two minutes later a corner from substitute Harrison Dunk was nodded home by the towering figure of United skipper Leon Legge.

The match was ended as a contest when Uche Ikpeazu netted, before Max Clarke rubbed salt in the wounds late on with a fifth.

Lewis Alessandra did hit the bar late on, and Rhys Oates skidded an effort just wide, but it was too little, too late for Pools.