Pressure mounts as Hartlepool United beaten AGAIN - this time by Altrincham 2-1 away
Hartlepool United have suffered their FIFTH defeat of the season just 8 games in.
Former Hartlepool United midfielder Tom Crawford came back to haunt Pools and heap more pressure on boss Lee Clark.
Pools were beaten 2-1 away at Altrincham in the National League, Crawford netting the decisive goal nine minutes from time. Defeat leaves Pools 16th, with five defeats in the opening eight league games - a campaign in which Pools had been targeting promotion.
Ahead of the game, Clark made two changes for the Enterprise National League fixture against Altrincham. On loan West Bromwich Albion midfielder Cole Deeming made his full debut for Pools while defender Jay Benn returned.
Meanwhile, Neo Eccleston was unavailable due to suspension after his red at Kidderminster Harriers - Cam John returned in defence. Other absentees included defender Max Kouogun and winger Corey McKeown.
Pools had travelled to Kidderminster Harriers last Friday night in good heart after Chris Popov had netted his first goal for the club to give his side a narrow home win against Woking six days earlier and that ensured a run of three consecutive defeats had been brought to an end at Victoria Park.
However, they were beaten at Kidderminster and the pressure ramped up further with another defeat on the road at Altrincham.
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Pools fell behind to a Kane Hemmings penalty in the 28th minute, piling pressure onto a Pools side clearly lacking in confidence, especially in front of goal. They levelled two minutes before the break thanks to midfielder Jamie Miley, Brooklyn Ilunga with the assist for Clark's side. Pools skipper Jack Hunter saw red in the 72nd minute for two yellow card offences.
But Crawford popped up with the winner. Pools, who have scored just six goals in eight games, have won only three, two of which came in the opening week.
HUFC: Fisher, Benn, Hunter (C), McNally, Ilunga, Miley, Harris, Sheron, Nolan, Gibson, Deeming.
Subs: Smith, Penman, John, Thornton, Popov, Bondo, Hugill.