Keith Curle’s side gave a strong account of themselves at the Lamex Stadium against a team second in the League Two table heading into the game and with a strong home record.
Pools also had several injury concerns to deal with but were able to put in a resilient display before falling to a late defeat after Danny Rose capitalised on a mistake from goalkeeper Ben Killip.
And here is how Pools were rated at Stevenage.
9. Jack Hamilton - 8
Excellent in the first half. Won almost every ball that came his way in the air. Set up Umerah for an effort at goal and interchanged well in a front three. Tired a little after the break having not long been back from injury. Booked. (Credit: Mark Fletcher | MI News) Photo: Mark Fletcher
10. Theo Robinson - 5
Needed to hold things up a little better than he did but wasn’t short of endeavour. The front three caused problems for Stevenage. Subbed late on. (Credit: John Cripps | MI News) Photo: John Cripps
11. Josh Umerah - 6
At the heart of a lot of good Pools did but should probably have scored. Perhaps a little unfortunate when looping a header off the bar but snapshot effort soon after will be one he’ll want back. Booked. (Credit: John Cripps | MI News) Photo: John Cripps
12. Joe Grey - NA
Brought on for the final 15 minutes but Stevenage took the lead soon after and played much of the remainder of the game in the Pools half which negated his impact a little. (Credit: John Cripps | MI News) Photo: John Cripps