Hartlepool United fans react to heaviest National League defeat following 5-0 loss to Torquay United live on BT Sport

Poolies were forced to watch from home on BT Sport as a Danny Wright hat-trick and goals from Ben Whitfield and Gary Warren completed a 5-0 rout for The Gulls.

It was Hartlepool’s heaviest league defeat at The Vic since they lost to Cambridge United by the same scoreline in 2016, they have not suffered a heavier home defeat since the 8-1 loss to Plymouth Argyle back in 1994.

And an angry contingency of Pools fans took to Twitter to express their frustration following the first defeat of the 2020-21 campaign.

Here’s what they had to say…

Ben McCann tweeted: “Need an experienced striker who can lead the line and a commanding centre half, easier said than done though. Blows my mind why MacDonald has not got his chance yet.”

Brian Powell was understandably critical of Pools’ defenders: Can’t defend that at all. It’s not losing that hurts the most, it’s the manner of the defeat. That was just nowhere near good enough in any league, at any stage of the season.”

Chris W didn’t mix his words as he commented: “The worst overall performance for an awful long time. No one in that team apart from Molyneux deserve an ounce of credit. Three signings coming to light now that they're way out of their depth. More faces needed or it's just going to be the same old story.”

@HallyDesigns tweeted as Pools’ suffered their first defeat since March: “Reality check that we aren't as good as we think we are however the manner of this defeat is inexcusable. Challinor and the players need to take responsibility and ensure this never happens again.”

@DanThom03 was critical of several players: “Johnson played like me with a hangover, and I’m bad sober. Bloomfield showed all the grace of a walrus, Cass looked intimidated all night and worst of all, Parkhouse played with genuine petulance and deliberate indifference. 11/14 should be ashamed. Does Molyneux have an escape pod?”

Anthony Harrison wants to see the players in training on Sunday as he said: “Manager is the only positive thing, says it as it is. That was disgusting they all want to be ashamed and back training [Sunday]. Molyneux and Grey the only lads who tried. Any team can get beat but put some effort in – fuming.”

Dan Patton was perplexed at the result: “It’s hard to understand what went on today, losing Timi didn’t help but we looked absolutely useless at the back. Only conceded 3 in the previous 6 games this season and 5 today, bizarre.”

Daniel Hackworth wants to see a reaction from both the players and Dave Challinor: “End of the day, manager can talk the talk, but it's a results business. Most certainly been brought back down to Earth this week Pools but it's down to manager to motivate and focus players next game.”

William Gallahue offered a more optimistic viewpoint as he said: “Sometimes you need games like these to reset and refocus. Let’s not hit the panic button yet.”

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