Manager Dave Challinor slams Hartlepool United performance following 4-1 defeat at Harrogate Town

Town came out firing after a goalless first half and went on to seal a 4-1 win in stoppage time to condemn Pools to another disappointing defeat at the CNG Stadium.

Following the match, Challinor said: “There was nothing in the game but I think I’ve been in football long enough to recognise signs and I still don’t think we were at it in the first half even though it was 0-0.

“We knew what the game would be like especially on this pitch.

“We knew we’d have to press them and work hard and we got in at 0-0 but I thought we needed to improve and we certainly didn't do that.

“We were beaten by the better team, plain and simple. We were outworked and out battled and there were instances where they looked like they wanted it more than us which is completely unacceptable.

“We’ve had 1,000 people travel here to see us and I feel gutted for them because they’ve given up their hard earned time and money to come and watch us.

“We’ve let them down and I can only apologise and ownership of that.

“It finished 4-1 which I’m not sure is a fair reflection but that’s what the score was and we have to accept that.

“We made mistakes in the first half which we weren’t punished for but then we made worse mistakes in the second half and were punished for them.

“I don’t agree that we were in control at half-time but we were certainly in the game, we were still in the game at 1-0 down before Raynesy [Michael Raynes] concedes the penalty and he’s held his hands up in there for that.

“I’ve told the players I’m having to come out here and justify and performance and try to explain it which is very difficult to do.

“They are very aware of my feelings and where we’re at and when people are letting their feelings be known from the sidelines, they need to take it on board.”