After a goalless first half, Harrogate came out firing in the second as goals from Lloyd Kerry, Josh Falkingham and a Jack Muldoon brace proved to be the big difference between the sides.
Substitute Nicke Kabamba reduced the deficit late on for Pools but it wasn’t enough to stop them falling to a heavy defeat in North Yorkshire. Next up for Dave Challinor’s side is league leaders Barrow at Victoria Park on Saturday.
Scroll down and click through the pages to see our Hartlepool United player ratings...
. HARROGATE, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 26TH Hartlepool United's Gime Toure in action during the Vanarama National League match between Harrogate Town and Hartlepool United at Wetherby Road, Harrogate on Thursday 26th December 2019. (Credit: Mark Fletcher | MI News) Photograph may only be used for newspaper and/or magazine editorial purposes, license required for commercial use
Gime Toure in action during the Vanarama National League match between Harrogate Town and Hartlepool United at Wetherby Road, Harrogate on Thursday 26th December 2019. (Credit: Mark Fletcher | MI News) | Other 3rd Party Photo: Mark Fletcher
. Ben Killip - 5
A few decent saves and claims when Harrogate where applying the pressure prior to the opening goal. Couldn’t do much about the four goals conceded though will not want to see the fourth again. | JPIMedia Resell Photo: Frank Reid
. Peter Kioso - 5
Several good challenges but it wasn’t enough to stop Pools being torn apart by a ruthless Harrogate attack in the second half. | Other 3rd Party Photo: Mark Fletcher
. Michael Raynes - 4
Struggled on the artificial surface and conceded a soft penalty at an awful time for Pools that ultimately proved costly. | JPIMedia Resell Photo: Frank Reid
. Gary Liddle - 5
Found things a lot more difficult than his debut but still got some important challenges in to keep Pools in the contest. A rash free-kick gifted Harrogate possession in the build-up to their opening goal. | Other 3rd Party Photo: Mark Fletcher
1. Ben Killip - 5
A few decent saves and claims when Harrogate where applying the pressure prior to the opening goal. Couldn’t do much about the four goals conceded though will not want to see the fourth again. | JPIMedia Resell Photo: Frank Reid
2. Peter Kioso - 5
Several good challenges but it wasn’t enough to stop Pools being torn apart by a ruthless Harrogate attack in the second half. | Other 3rd Party Photo: Mark Fletcher
3. Michael Raynes - 4
Struggled on the artificial surface and conceded a soft penalty at an awful time for Pools that ultimately proved costly. | JPIMedia Resell Photo: Frank Reid
4. Gary Liddle - 5
Found things a lot more difficult than his debut but still got some important challenges in to keep Pools in the contest. A rash free-kick gifted Harrogate possession in the build-up to their opening goal. | Other 3rd Party Photo: Mark Fletcher