78 brilliant photos of passionate Hartlepool United fans backing Lee Clark's side against Eastleigh

Over 5,000 Hartlepool United fans made their way to their beloved home of Victoria Park to get behind their side in Friday night’s home clash with National League rivals Eastleigh.

It proved to be a frustrating night for the vast majority of those in attendance as a ten-man Pools side fell to an agonisingly late defeat that caused disappointment and annoyance in equal measures. The red card shown to defender Neo Eccleston always left Pools up against it - but they still looked set to earn at least a point for their efforts before Nelson Khumbeni fired home the only goal of the game in the 95th minute.

Which Hartlepool United games are on DAZN and how to watch

The effort on the patch was more than matched in the stands at The Vic - and our photographer Chris Fryatt was on hand to capture some brilliant images of Pools fans getting behind their side.

Your next Hartlepool United read: Eastleigh defeat was 'a real kick in the teeth' for Hartlepool United - Lee Clark