Craig Harrison 'frustrated' as Hartlepool United gift three points to Macclesfield

Craig Harrison admitted Hartlepool United's players "did not do their jobs" as they gave away three vital points against Macclesfield.
Michael Woods celebrates putting Pools in front. Picture by TOM BANKSMichael Woods celebrates putting Pools in front. Picture by TOM BANKS
Michael Woods celebrates putting Pools in front. Picture by TOM BANKS

Pools looked in little danger as they led 1-0 for much of the contest after Michael Woods put them in front in the 38th minute.

They controlled play against the promotion chasers but they could not turn possession and pressure into further goals and they were made to pay at the end.

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Ryan Lloyd converted sub Elliott Durrell's low cross for an 85th-minute equaliser and in the first minute of stoppage time, defender Keith Lowe headed in after Pools failed to deal with a free-kick coming into their area.

“It’s frustration more than anything else," said Harrison.

"Take away four minutes at the end and we played well – we were on the front foot, we were aggressive.

“Then we haven’t done our jobs well, basic jobs at key times of the game.

"I'm not on about anything special or doing something out of the ordinary, I'm just on about them doing the jobs they are on the pitch to do.

"That didn't happen on two occasions and we were punished.

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“I think we have played well, as well as we did against Halifax without taking the opportunities and then we have been bitten on the backside by not doing basic stuff."

The Pools squad went through a lengthy dressing-room inquest, with Harrison showing the squad footage of the late Macclesfield goals.

"Decision-making has to be better at key moments," said Harrison.

"We have been through it in the dressing room, we got the footage of the goals, people have been picked out, named and told in front of everyone.

"That is for the dressing room only.

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“It’s not about a reaction from the players tonight and seeing a reaction, it’s about them accepting it because it's there in black and white.

"It's down to the players to accept it and do everything in their power not to do it again."

The Silkmen's late steal moved them third with Pools remaining 13th, but are now five points off the top seven and 11 off top spot.