Harrison pledges to battle on at Pools

Craig Harrison has vowed to battle on as Hartlepool United manager.

The Pools squad were back in work yesterday in the aftermath of Saturday’s FA Trophy elimination.

Evo-Stik League side Workington, two divisions below Pools, caused one of the upsets of the first round when Scott Allison struck an excellent 82nd-minute winner at Borough Park.

It was a fifth defeat in six games for Pools, who are down in 14th spot in the National League.

Harrison (pictured) says Pools must “stick together”, which is a noble thing to say considering the way he was let down by his players, again, in an abject performance.

Pools have a home date this Saturday against 13thplaced Maidenhead United, who are above them only by virtue of goal difference.

“I’m absolutely gutted and devastated,” said Harrison. “We have to stick at it, stick together and go again.

“We have big games coming up, we have to stick together, look after each other and go again.

“We’ve got into good areas, but we’ve not converted our opportunities.

“We’ve come to a tough place, the pitch is a leveller, but you have to roll up your sleeves.”

Pools, once again, had the majority of the play, territory and opportunities but, again, could not score.

Pools did chuck everything at the hosts in response, sub Jonathan Franks having a shot cleared off the line, Michael Woods firing over and subs Rhys Oates and Devante Rodney having tame attempts saved by Aaran Taylor.

“Saturday has been a pure, old-fashioned out and out cup tie against a team from a lower division and they have come out winners,” said Harrison.

“We have to dust ourselves down now and make sure we don’t have an extended hangover. We have to be ready to go again.”