Plymouth Argyle 5 Hartlepool United 0: Match reaction, Craig Hignett embarrassed by rout

Promotion hopefuls Plymouth made seven changes ahead of the start of the play-offs this week.

It did not affect the Pilgrims as Pools crumbled following Tyler Harvey's long-range sixth-minute opener.

Pools simply were not at the races, the only consolation being that they retained 16th place in League Two.

“Ashamed, embarrassed, disgusted," were the first three words of Hignett's post-match asssessment.

"The players were on holiday and probably have been for the last few weeks.

"We started the game well and caused them a few problems but when they took the lead, we downed tools.

"A manager should never have to say that about his side.

"Before the game I said to the players for this not to be an end-of-season jog-about.

"I don't think we even got that."

Pools were two down at the break, Harvey doubling the lead in the 25th minute from Gregg Wylde's cross.

After the break, Louis Rooney's 58th minute stunner sealed the deal before skipper Curtis Nelson made it four on the hour.

Rooney ended the scoring eight minutes from time.

Pools went close through sub Jake Gray while Luke James drew two saves from Vincent Dorel.

Hignett was upset that Pools played so poorly given the huge number of travelling fans at Home Park, 531 in total, hundreds dressed as Stormtroopers.

"I'm angry and disappointed," said Hignett. "To get the amount of people coming down here and dressing up and we give them something like that to see.

"I feel embarrassed, really embarrassed, but it makes me more determined to crack on with what I am doing."