'Massive wake up call' – Hartlepool United fans raise concerns following heavy defeat at Sutton

Hartlepool United handed the National League title to Sutton United on Sunday afternoon with a 3-0 defeat at Gander Green Lane – but how did supporters react to the result?
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The result meant Pools missed the chance to return to third in the table and be in prime position for a home play-off semi-final.

Over 1,000 Sutton fans returned to the stadium to watch their side win the title and a first ever promotion to the Football League.

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It was a result that left Pools fans scratching their heads and questioning Dave Challinor’s team selection.

Never Say Die - corner flag at Victoria Park. (Credit: Mark Fletcher | MI News)Never Say Die - corner flag at Victoria Park. (Credit: Mark Fletcher | MI News)
Never Say Die - corner flag at Victoria Park. (Credit: Mark Fletcher | MI News)

After a convincing 3-1 win at Aldershot Town the week prior, Pools made two changes with Mark Shelton and David Ferguson making way for Ryan Donaldson and Zaine Francis-Angol respectively.

Both Shelton and Ferguson had featured in every game for Pools so far in 2021 but were unused substitutes for the defeat in South London.

Here’s how supporters reacted to the defeat on social media…

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@Poolsontour1: “Tinkered and we get beat. Really missed Ferguson and we looked devoid of leaders. All worrying as we head towards the play-offs. Big game next week. Get behind the lads and we go into next games with confidence.”

@mickyc1993: “Set up to fail from the start, some of Challinor’s team selections the past few weeks have been seriously questionable.”

@Mickyburns12: “Yeah every Pools fan is so disappointed with that result and display but we’re not out of it. Let's get behind our team and support them to the hilt. Let us be the 12th man starting next week and smash whoever is in front of us. Come on boys!”

@bripowell91: “Congrats to Sutton! Absolutely shocking from us today. Massive wake-up call ahead of the play-offs I hope. That performance will have us knocked out at the first hurdle easily!”

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@PhilShawshanks: “Time for us fans to become the ‘12th man’ starting next week. We can still do this.”

@JoelCopeman1: “Far too hard to be positive after that, love to know what was Dave thinking with that line up choice. Fear for us in the play offs.”

@JackW69_: “Where's Mitchell Beeney when you need him?”

@paulkeay: “A team who really, really want it versus one who hasn’t looked bothered. Woeful performance.”

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