Nicky Featherstone's final game in charge of Hartlepool United ends in 3-1 defeat at Boston United

Nicky Featherstone’s final game in charge of Hartlepool United ended in defeat at Boston United, with the hosts coming from behind to win 3-1.

Pools took the lead through a powerful Max Kouogun header but a late collapse ended in defeat for Pools, who finish the National League campaign in 9th on 68 points, 13 points outside the play-offs.

Adam Smith started in goal for the final game of the campaign, replacing Nick Hayes who is one of many Pools players out of contract this summer. In total, outgoing Hartlepool United boss Featherstone made four changes with Reiss McNally - who was a doubt after two starts recently following a lengthy lay-off - and Tyrese Sinclair were also missing. In came Smith, Tom Parkes and Matty Daly along with teenager Jay Sway who impressed off the bench in the dramatic 4-3 win over Southend United in midweek.

Smith was called into action early on, with eight minutes on the clock Jordan Richards' effort for Boston towards the top-right corner was tipped away. Less than two minutes later and Pools had their first sight on goal, Alex Reid's low strike flashed wide of the left corner of the Boston goal. In the 13th minute, Reid got on to the end of a Jamie Miley cross but sent his header wide.

Pools were dealt a blow with 16 minutes on the clock, returning Parkes came off with Brad Walker on in his place. Smith was called into action twice before the break, making a couple of smart saves. The scoreline was goalless at the break.

Pools were backed by a strong away following, with 507 fans clad in pink costumes and colours for the annual fancy dress tradition for the final away fixture of the season. This year, the theme of dressing in pink was all to support two local charities, Breast Cancer and Alice House Hospice. Ahead of the game, the club released pink themed T-shirts, with profits going to the chosen charities.

With 60 minutes on the clock, Featherstone made a double change, Reid - who had been booked in the first half - and Matty Daly departing with Charlie Caton and Vadaine Oliver coming on.

Pools got the breakthrough in the 65th minute, Max Kouogun with a powerful header to put Pools ahead. A Miley corner found Kouogun and his header flew past the Boston keeper. As the clock ticked on, Miley and Sway both had efforts at goal, Miley's low effort in the 75th minute saved before 18-year-old Sway saw an effort blocked.

It then started to quickly unravel for Pools with two quick goals for the hosts, with 79 minutes on the clock, Connor Teale levelled with a stunning strike before Frankie Maguire then put them ahead in the 83rd minute.

And Boston wrapped up the win with a third in the 89th minute, Tom Cursons for the hosts. The trip to Boston United was the final one for Featherstone as Hartlepool United boss, with the former midfielder poised to step down as manager at the end of the season, his future at the club remains up in the air amid talks around a coaching role instead.

For Pools, it is now a chance for another summer rebuild under yet another new manager. All eyes are now on Landon Smith, the club’s owner to see what changes he makes, with guidance from Bromby & Partners football consultants.

HUFC XI: Smith, Benn, Parkes, Kouogun, Sheron, Daly, Sway, Hunter, Miley, Campbell, Reid.

Subs: Conyard, Ferguson, Johnson, Folarin, Oliver, Caton, Walker.

Goal: Kouogun (65'). Assist: Miley.

Away following: 507 Pools fans.