Hartlepool United midfielder vows to bounce back from Yeovil Town defeat as Pools prepare for FA Trophy clash against Anstey Nomads
Hartlepool United midfielder Nathan Sheron is determined to help Pools bounce back when they host Northern Premier League Division One Midlands side Anstey Nomads in the FA Trophy this weekend.
Pools' seven-match unbeaten run came to an end on Saturday as they tasted defeat in the National League for the first time under Nicky Featherstone, who was named as manager until the end of the season on Friday following an impressive spell in caretaker charge, following a disappointing 2-0 defeat at the hands of a resurgent Yeovil.
Despite their excellent recent form - Pools had won four and drawn three of their last seven matches under the new boss - Featherstone's side were well below their best on Saturday as they were beaten in the league for the first time since October 4.
Although the hosts huffed and puffed and created a handful of chances, with attacker Matty Daly going closest for the home side, Pools struggled to deal with Yeovil's considerable threat on the counter-attack and fell to defeat following goals from Aaron Jarvis and the outstanding Luke McCormick.
Pools fans had been hoping Saturday's game would be one to remember after Featherstone, who is the club's third highest appearance-maker of all-time, was named permanent manager on the eve of the contest.
However, it was another new face in the dugout who was celebrating at full time as Yeovil won for the second time in succession since the appointment of Billy Rowley, who became the fourth man to take charge of the Glovers already this season late last month.
Featherstone, who has played under a staggering 20 different managers since he first signed for Pools in October 2014, will be well aware of chairman and owner Raj Singh's notorious lack of patience when it comes to hiring and firing head coaches.
Pools, therefore, can ill-afford what would be an embarrassing early exit in the FA Trophy when they host a Nomads side who have reached the competition's third round for the first time in their history on Saturday.
Sheron, who is the only Pools player to have started all 24 games so far this season, has vowed that his side will bounce back as they begin their bid for what would be a first ever trip to Wembley Stadium at the weekend.
"It's about bouncing back," the 28-year-old told the official Pools club website.
"We're disappointed, but we'll come in and review the game and we'll see where we went wrong so we can make sure that doesn't creep into our performances now.
"It's all about bouncing back for us now."