The Mail’s player ratings after Hartlepool United’s home defeat against National League rivals Harrogate Town.

Hartlepool United’s wait for a win was extended by a home defeat against National League rivals Harrogate Town on Tuesday night.

On a night when Pools handed a debut to new goalkeeper Max Thompson after he penned a short-term deal at Victoria Park, it was a deflected second-half strike from visitors captain Bailey Hobson that made the difference when the full-time whistle was blown.

Reiss McNally in action during Hartlepool United's defeat against Harrogate Town (photo Frank Reid) | Frank Reid

placeholder image — Reiss McNally in action during Hartlepool United's defeat against Harrogate Town (photo Frank Reid) | Frank Reid

The defeat means Pools have now lost eight of their last nine fixtures and only bottom of the table Gateshead possess a worse record in non-league’s top tier. The loss also ensured Hartlepool will remain in the National League relegation zone as their thoughts now turn towards Saturday’s home clash with a Tamworth side sitting one point and one place below them in the table. There were some positives to take from the game for interim management team Gary Liddle and Adam Clayton - but it is another defeat and another night of what might have been.

As the dust settles on the loss, The Mail hands out our player ratings with two Pools players standing out.

Hartlepool United player ratings after Harrogate Town defeat

Hartlepool United goalkeeper Max Thompson during the 1-0 defeat against Harrogate Town (photo Frank Reid) | Frank Reid

Max Thompson - 7

A decent debut for the former Newcastle United goalkeeper barring one shaky moment when a clearance was blocked.

Cameron John - 7

Looked solid defensively and tried to get forward and support from out wide.

Jack Hunter - 6

Steady enough and looks more at home in defence.

Reiss McNally - 8

A real rock at the back and provided a commanding presence throughout the game.

Jamie Miley - 8

Tried to drive Pools forwards and showed some genuine moments of quality.

Jordan Hugill - 6

Tried to impose himself on the visitors defence and will feel he should have done better with a chance just before the break.

Will Harris - 6

Suffered from a lack of quality service and never really threatened after sending a shot over during the first-half.

Neo Eccleston - 7

Gave energy down the right-hand side and tried to get forward when he could before suffering an injury.

Nathan Sheron - 6

Tried to protect the Pools defence in a deep lying role in midfield.

Charlie Thornton - 7

An assured and hardworking display from the youngster on his full competitive debut.

Cole Deeming - 7

Looked lively in spells during the first-half - but was substituted on the hour-mark as Pools chased the game.

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Subs

Jay Benn (on for Eccleston) - 6

Looked to replace the energy provided by Eccleston

Terry Bondo (on for Thornton) - 4

Really struggled to make an impact and looked nervous in possession.

Brooklyn Ilunga (on for John) - 5

Didn’t really make an impact after being brought on for John,

Luke Charman (on for Hugill) - 6

Looked energetic and enthusiastic when he was introduced into the action and threatened down the left.

Jack Nolan (on for Deeming) - 5

Looked to be working himself into some good positions at times but didn’t deliver quality into the box or threaten the opposition goal.

Subs not used: Fisher, Popov