The Young Pools were held to a 1-1 draw with Boston United Under-23s at Maiden Castle.
Jacob Penprase struck from the spot before Boston levelled in the second half.
Alex Cross’ side started brightly and almost took an early lead when Owen Kingsland got in behind the Boston defence, but his effort struck the side netting.
The breakthrough came after 11 minutes. Jake Worth nipped in to win possession and was brought down, giving Penprase the chance from the penalty spot. The captain stepped up and smashed the ball to the goalkeeper’s right – despite guessing correctly, the keeper was unable to keep it out.
Just after the hour mark, Worth had a huge chance to extend the lead, but his shot was straight at the Boston goalkeeper, while Will Coxon’s long-range effort was comfortably saved.
Boston equalised with 20 minutes remaining when a through ball split the Pools defence before the visitors calmly slotted the ball past Harry Conyard.
Cross’ side pushed for a winner with both Seb Swan and Ollie Soderlund seeing shots blocked in the closing stages.
HUFC | Conyard, Daines, Bramley, Wood (Cuggy 45’), Standing (Swan 65’), Gilbraith, Aungiers (Joalaso 45’), Penprase © (Soderlund 73’), Kingsland (Rukin 65’), Taylor (Coxon 45’) Worth (Basiru 65’)
Unused substitutes | Hood.
