Pools failed to make it through the group stages at the Northern Masters held at the Metro Radio Arena on Sunday evening.

The lads were placed in a tough group with last year's winners Middlesbrough and local rivals Darlington in front of a large and enthusiastic crowd.

However, things got off to a bad start when they were beaten 3-2 by the Quakers in their first game. After falling two goals behind, Pools gave themselves hope by pulling one back through Paul Dalton but Darlington ran straight up to the other end and restored their two-goal lead.

And with only fifteen seconds left on the clock, Micky Barron curled home one of the goals of the tournament but there was no time to find the equaliser.

Pools then went in to their game with Middlesbrough knowing it was a big ask to get the victory they would need to have a chance of progression.

And so it proved as the influential Dean Windass somehow squeezed a ball through to former Pools man Craig Hignett to flick home the opening goal at the end of the first half.

Midway through the second period, Boro sealed Pools' fate when Graham Kavanagh slotted home from close range after some incisive build-up play.

Middlesbrough went on to win the tournament once again, beating Sunderland 6-3 in a thrilling Final.

Click here for a full rundown of the results from Sunday's Northern Masters.

Pools Squad: Bishop, Dalton, Honour, McKinnon, Baker, Barron, McGuckin, Tinkler, West.