Here's what our Hartlepool United writer Robbie Stelling made of the Pools players after they lost ground in the race for the top seven following a dispiriting defeat at the hands of strugglers Sutton.
1. Nick Hayes: 7
Looked more confident than he has done in recent weeks and did well to come and deal with a handful of crosses into his box, producing one excellent punch in the opening stages before coming to claim a couple of balls later in the game. Made one sharp save from former Pools man Besart Topallaj with his legs after 18 minutes and couldn't have done anything about either of the goals. Photo: Frank Reid
2. Jay Benn: 8
The one Pools outfielder to emerge with genuine credit from the game, kept Jermaine Francis quiet all evening and was pretty much faultless defensively. Photo: Frank Reid
3. Maxim Kouogun: 6
Brandon Njoku's pace caused him problems at times but he was generally excellent in the air. Photo: Frank Reid
4. Tom Parkes: 6
A handful of really important interventions although his side were almost punished after he uncharacteristically lost out in a challenge with Lewis Simper on the edge of his own box. Photo: Frank Reid