Hartlepool United defender Reiss McNally calls for character after shock FA Cup defeat

Reiss McNally is determined to ‘put himself forward’ in a bid to help Hartlepool United recover from a deeply disappointing FA Cup fourth qualifying round defeat against Marine.

After making a lively start to the contest with the likes of Chris Popov and Jack Nolan both going close, Pools were unable to maintain those levels as their National League North visitors visibly grew in confidence as the half wore on. The Merseyside outfit had to wait until 20 minutes from time to get their rewards as Jack Doyle raced on to a clever pass from Fin Sinclair-Smith before beating Pools keeper Max Thompson at his near post.

The tie was effectively ended with the final ten minutes approaching as Marine substitute James Potter came off the bench to double his side’s lead by forcing the ball beyond the helpless Thompson after Eccleston had partially blocked a shot from the lively Sinclair-Smith.

The defeat was the latest low point in what has been a dismal season for Pools as they failed to build on last weekend’s 4-2 win at Forest Green Rovers and exited the FA Cup at the fourth qualifying round for the fourth consecutive season. Boos rang around Victoria Park when the full-time whistle was blown as Poolies vented their understandable frustration over another disappointing performance from their side.

Speaking after the game, McNally revealed his determination to ‘demand more from himself and the team’ as he expressed his disappointment over the performance and result.

He told BBC Radio Tees: “Congratulations to Marine - but it’s a good chance to do something special in the FA Cup and we haven’t been good enough today so we are really disappointed. There has to be [character to turn it around], there’s no other way around it. We are at a point when we can’t really afford to not have big characters, not have people step up so I am going to put myself forward and drive the group as best I can, demand more from myself and the team because that really isn’t good enough today.”

Join the Mail’s WhatsApp HUFC Channel for the latest news, analysis and injury updates direct to your phone. Simply click this link to join.

‘I know what the gaffer wants’

The defeat was the first major blow of Pete Wild’s managerial reign at Victoria Park and the new Pools head coach did not hold back in his post-match press conference as he delivered a sobering assessment of the situation at the club. McNally admitted he is expected a ‘very demanding’ period on the training pitch as the former FC Halifax Town manager looks to kickstart an on-field improvement ahead of next weekend’s home game with Hornchurch.

He said: “So far, I’ve really enjoyed it. I know what the gaffer wants and I think these up and coming weeks will be very demanding, which they should be and they have to be to get the best out of us. I am going to enjoy it as much as I can and do my best for the gaffer and the team.”

Your next Hartlepool United read: Pete Wild delivers 'harsh reality' verdict after Hartlepool United's FA Cup defeat against Marine