Josh Umerah of Hartlepool United in action with Ronan Maher of Walsall. (Credit: Mark Fletcher | MI News)Josh Umerah of Hartlepool United in action with Ronan Maher of Walsall. (Credit: Mark Fletcher | MI News)
Josh Umerah of Hartlepool United in action with Ronan Maher of Walsall. (Credit: Mark Fletcher | MI News)

How did Hartlepool United fare in 4-0 defeat to Walsall

It was a disappointing start to the new League Two season for Hartlepool United who were heavily beaten by Walsall.

A new-look Pools side were outclassed at the Poundland Bescot Stadium with Danny Johnson grabbing a hat-trick for the Saddlers in a resounding 4-0 success.

Brandon Comley’s deflected effort opened the scoring midway through the first half before Johnson doubled the lead five minutes later when capitalising on his own rebound.

And things got worse for Pools after the break as former Gateshead striker Johnson powered in his second and Walsall’s third of the afternoon on the hour.

But the striker on loan from Mansfield Town was not finished there as he was on hand to grab his third of the afternoon 18 minutes from time.

Pools were comfortably beaten in the end and the scoreline might have been even more significant but for goalkeeper Ben Killip.

And here is how Pools were rated.

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