Hartlepool United were beaten by Colchester United at the Suit Direct Stadium. (Credit: Mark Fletcher | MI News)Hartlepool United were beaten by Colchester United at the Suit Direct Stadium. (Credit: Mark Fletcher | MI News)
Hartlepool United were beaten by Colchester United at the Suit Direct Stadium. (Credit: Mark Fletcher | MI News)

Hartlepool United player ratings as former Sunderland and Blackpool defender stands out in Colchester United defeat

Hartlepool United were unable to end their slump in form as they fell to defeat against Colchester United.

It was a fourth straight home defeat for Pools and a ninth game without a win as they end their first season back in League Two in 17th place.

John Akinde opened the scoring after 10 minutes when he stroked the ball home into an almost empty net from Freddie Sears’ cut back inside the area.

And the U’s doubled their lead early in the second half thanks to a stunning strike from Chay Cooper.

Cooper picked up the ball just inside the Pools half and was able to drive towards goal before unleashing an unstoppable effort from all of 30 yards in off the post beyond the outstretched Ben Killip.

Pools did push for what would have been a late consolation but to no avail.

And here is how Pools were rated in their final game of the campaign.