Goalscoring woes, a late penalty appeal and Gus Mafuta's return: The big talking points following Hartlepool United's 2-1 defeat by Boreham Wood

Two goals from former Pools midfielder Gus Mafuta gave the visitors all three points after Mason Bloomfield had equalised for Dave Challinor’s side on the stroke of half-time.

The Pools boss made no excuses after the full-time whistle and said he’ll be making changes for Tuesday’s fixture against King’s Lynn.

Here are the key talking points from Saturday’s match:

Team selection

Challinor made two changes to his side following Pools’ 2-0 defeat at Solihull Moors earlier in the week.

Ryan Johnson returned to the starting XI in place of the suspended Timi Odusina, who was sent off at Damson Park, while David Ferguson was also recalled in place of Joe Bunney after overcoming an injury setback.

Ferguson started in a left wing-back position as Challinor opted to play with a back three, similar to the system played by Boreham Wood.

With Johnson, Tyler Magoire and Lewis Cass starting at the back, Ryan Donaldson and Ferguson were deployed on the flanks with Nicky Featherstone and Tom Crawford in the centre.

Despite the return of Rhys Oates from a knee injury, Bloomfield kept his place up front, with Luke Molyneux and Gavan Holohan selected just behind the striker.

Boreham Wood stamp their authority

Pools haven’t won at Victoria Park since October’s 2-1 win over Aldershot and have now gone five home games without a win.

Despite Challinor saying he felt his side made a good start against Boreham Wood, it was the visitors who dominated for large spells in the first half.

Luke Garrard’s side looked far more comfortable operating with wing-backs as flankers Kane Smith and Zaine Francis-Angol pinned Pools back.

With Boreham Wood strikers Kabongo Tshimanga and Matt Rhead applying pressure and Sobra Thomas supporting them in a central position, the visitors’ persistence eventually paid off when Mafuta lashed home a 36th-minute opener, following an unconvincing punch from goalkeeper Henrich Ravas.

When asked about his side’s formation after the game, Challinor said: "We wanted to be a certain shape in possession and a certain shape out of possession.

"We wanted to simplify roles with Cass, Tyler and Jonno taking care of their front two and when Sobra Thomas came in it became three vs three.

"In possession we wanted to try and effect the game a bit more with Fergie being higher and creating opportunities for us with Gav (Holohan) and Mols (Luke Molyneux) being given free roles within that."

The problem was that, despite some dangerous moments on the counter attack, Pools were second best in too many areas in the first half and were probably fortunate to go in level at the break following Bloomfield’s equaliser.

Failure to take chances

Bloomfield’s leveller right before the interval was a huge confidence booster and Pools started the second half much brighter.

As Challinor intended, Ferguson helped drive the side forward on the left and found space to deliver some inviting crosses into the box as Pools saw more of the ball.

Ferguson’s deliveries weren’t always whipped into dangerous areas but the 26-year-old created enough opportunities for the hosts to go ahead.

The best chance came on the hour mark as Ferguson’s teasing cross travelled past Molyneux before reaching Bloomfield at the back post.

After scoring his first goal of the season before half-time, the striker wasn’t able to hit the target and add what would have been a priceless second.

As Challinor pointed out after the game, “If you look at their team, some of the crosses that we put in today Matt Rhead would have scored a couple of goals.”

It’s clear to see where Pools’ weakness is at the moment after scoring just five goals in their last eight league games – three of which came in last month’s 3-1 win at Yeovil.

Challinor said after the game Pools have agreed to sign another striker on loan next week and the player should be available for Tuesday’s match.

Pools punished by former man

After Pools’ squandered their second-half chances, there was a sense of inevitably when Boreham Wood retook the lead – especially given the man who scored it.

Mafuta made 37 appearances in all competitions for Pools last season, scoring four goals, before budget cuts led to him joining the Wood on a free transfer.

Challinor remains on good terms with the 25-year-old and wasn’t surprised to see the midfielder perform well at Victoria Park.

"It’s always the case isn’t it, what you want to do as a player coming back to your old club is to have a good game.” said Challinor.

"I’ve just said to him there he’s never struck two like that in his life but Gus is a good lad. Unfortunately circumstances with us dictated what happened with him.”

Late penalty appeal turned down

After Mafuta’s second in the 69th minute, Pools lost some of their second-half momentum before a late push in the closing stages.

Challinor introduced Claudio Ofosu and Oates shortly after the goal while teenager Joe Grey was also brought on.

It will be disappointing for Challinor that Boreham Wood goalkeeper Nathan Ashmore wasn’t really tested as Pools pushed for a late leveller, but there were appeals for a stoppage-time penalty.

Referee Peter Gibbons looked like he was going to award a spot kick when Grey appeared to be bundled over inside the area, yet the man in charge quickly changed his mind.

There did appear to be contact and you could argue it would have been a foul anywhere else on the pitch.

Pools will hope for a turn of fortunes when they face King’s Lynn on Tuesday night.

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