Hartlepool United suffered a 3-1 home defeat against National League rivals Worthing on Saturday afternoon.

The curtain came down on Lee Clark’s Hartlepool United reign just minutes after National League newcomers Worthing claimed a 3-1 win at Victoria Park.

After suffering back-to-back defeats against Kidderminster Harriers and Altrincham over the last week, Clark’s side were unable to mount an improvement as goals from Cory Adjetey-Brew, Ricky Aguiar and Jose Marquez handed a deserved three points to the visitors and ensured Will Harris’ first goal since the opening day of the season was a mere consolation.

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Understandably, the post-match assessments of the defeat were dominated by talk of Clark’s decision to step down from his role with Pools - but what about the players he now leaves behind? We take a look at Pools’ performance during the defeat and hand out of players ratings.

Hartlepool United player ratings after Worthing defeat

Cole Deeming in action during Hartlepool United's home defeat against Worthing (photo FRANK REID) | FRANK REID

placeholder image — Cole Deeming in action during Hartlepool United's home defeat against Worthing (photo FRANK REID) | FRANK REID

Nathan Fisher - 5

Couldn’t do anything about any of the goals but looked nervous and his distribution was disappointing.

Jay Benn - 6

Tried to get up and down the right-hand side but couldn’t really make a sustained impact on the game and ran out of gas , like a number of his team-mates.

Cam John - 5

Another player that struggled to make any meaningful progress during the game.

Reiss McNally - 6

Was fairly solid and tried to push forward from centre back on several occasions.

Brooklyn Ilunga - 5

Tried to make something happen but got little joy.

Jamie Miley - 6

Tried to keep the ball moving in midfield and never hid from wanting possession. However, there were some disappointing moments too as he wasted opportunities to get good balls into the area.

Will Harris - 6

Had Pools’ two best chances with his first-half header and a shot that hit the bar just moments before Worthing scored their second goal. Showed persistence to finally grab his first goal since the opening day.

Nathan Sheron - 6

Worked hard as usual and tried to put himself around in midfield - but didn’t really make an impact.

Jack Nolan - 4

Ineffective throughout the game and did not do enough in or out of possession.

Liam Gibson - 5

Started positively but endured a testing time before being forced out of the action ten minutes before half-time.

Cole Deeming - 7

Probably the one Pools starter that can come out of the game with some credit. Showed for the ball, worked hard and tried to make things happen.

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