Pool’s winless run continues as team abscences take toll
HARTLEPOOL 0 COLCHESTER 2
MANAGERLESS Hartlepool United were unable to end their season on a positive as they suffered a home defeat against Colchester United.
Michael Nelson and Anthony Sweeney were in temporary charge following the departure of Graeme Lee on Thursday – but they could not prevent their side extending their run without a win to a ninth game.
There were just 10 minutes on the clock when the visitors edged themselves in front at the Suit Direct
Stadium as John Akinde fired home after some neat approach play from Freddie Sears.
Chay Cooper came on to make his league debut for the visitors at halftime as he replaced Alan Judge – and the youngster enjoyed a spectacular introduction to life in senior football.
Just eight minutes after making his way on to the pitch, Cooper struck a low right-foot effort from 20 yards that left Pools keeper Ben Killip with no chance.
After the game, Pools caretaker manager Michael Nelson admitted his side had struggled with key absences but praised his players for their commitment in trying to round off their season with a win.
He told the club website: “It was poor in terms of our quality and endeavour. We went into it struggling for numbers and I think you could see by the numbers on the bench.
“Gary Liddle hasn’t trained for the majority of the week and Jamie Sterry flagged up an issue this morning.
“He wasn’t 100% and neither was Gary and unfortunately they didn’t last the game.
“It was a struggle and we struggled with our quality.
“The lads dug in but we just couldn’t get a result for the fans today.”
All focus will now go on another summer of change at Pools – starting with the appointment of a new manager.
It was a struggle and we struggled
with our quality. The lads dug in but we just couldn’t get a result for the fans
Michael Nelson
HARTLEPOOL UNITED: Killip, Hull, Liddle (Smith), Crawford, Sterry (Ogle) Featherstone, Ferguson, Molyneux, Bogle (Carver) Olomola Subs: Bilokapic
COLCHESTER UNITED: Hornby, Tchamadeu, Chambers, Smith, Coxe, Judge (Cooper), Sarpong-wiradu, Chilvers, Hannant, Sears, Akide Subs: George, Cracknell, Eastman