'Naïve' Hartlepool United down to bare bones as Craig Hignett bemoans injury & disciplinary luck

Pools had to do without key man Luke James for Saturday's defeat to Bromley, and now have to contend with a two-game suspension for Peter Kioso, as well as Niko Muir suffering a problem.

Hignett was already without the services of defender Carl Magnay, and recently lost Michael Raynes to a season-ending injury.

And he does not see the situation getting too much better between now and the end of the week.

"It’s been a long week with a small squad," said the manager after the 2-1 Super 6 Stadium reverse.

"We had 14 players and we have 12 for next week with Peter suspended and Niko needing stitches.

"We hope to get one or two back which I doubt, but we get on with it and pick a team and formation to get results."

Youngster Aaron Cunningham has come into the centre of defence and impressed but Hignett says his inexperience told a little with the second goal.

“It’s bare bones at the back, losing two experienced lads is a blow, but Aaron has come in and done well and deserves his place," he said.

"With young lads learning their way you will have a dip. Aaron was good, but had one lapse in concentation and as he gets older that won’t happen and he will cope with things.

"It was frustrating. I don’t want to take anything away from Bromley who played well."

Being a youthful, inexperienced side in places, Hignett thinks Pools showed a touch of naïvety on the day

“We were naïve, but we have young players learning their way and we have a lot of travelling to contend with this week. It was a phenomenal effort in the last week but off it today slightly

“We gave it a right good go second half and went all out for goals by taking chances at the back. I won’t take anything away from them but we could have nicked something from it.

"I will analyse it and crack on next week."