Pools Academy were left scratching their heads on Saturday morning as two late goals prevented them from taking all three points against Harrogate Town.

It was a day of mixed emotions for Alex Cross and Graeme Clark’s side, who could be proud of their efforts while frustrated at the full time whistle.

Pools had chances to go ahead in the first half as Alex Pavan, Jacob Penprase and Kian Foreman all came close in North Yorkshire.

Hartlepool went with a change of shape for the second half and that saw the sky blues take the lead on 50 minutes.

Foreman played in Pavan, and the winger lobbed the Harrogate goalkeeper to put Pools 1-0 up.

Ben Taylor was called in between the sticks with Harry Conyard on first-team duty, and the shot-stopper made two good saves to keep his side ahead.

The second arrived when a Penprase cross was slotted home by Foreman inside the Harrogate box.

And the visitors came close to a third when Ashton Wood fired over the goalkeeper, only for the woodwork to rescue Harrogate.

The game changed late on when Pools went down to 10, with defender Joel Ingram receiving treatment on the sideline.

The hosts pulled one back in the 87th minute, before striking again in the 96th to finish the game level.

“We’re all frustrated,” stated Alex Cross at full time.

“We’re disappointed not to get all three points but that shows how far we’ve come in a short space of time.

“We’ve had four good performances on the spin, the turnaround has been excellent.

“On another day, we come away with the win. We created lots of chances and could have been out of sight.

“I’m pleased with the attitude and application of all the players, they are punching above their weight against EFL clubs week in and week out which is great to see.”