Hartlepool United Academy fell to a 2-1 defeat at Grimsby Town at the weekend, despite a dominating performance from Alex Cross and Graeme Clark’s side.

A depleted Pools team travelled to a Grimsby Town side who notably knocked West Ham out of the FA Youth Cup in December.

Pools looked comfortable in possession in the early stages but, with a counter-attack, Grimsby scored with their first chance on goal.

The visitors could count themselves unlucky to be behind, but it wasn’t too long until the sides were once again level.

In the 42nd minute, Joe Aungiers and Ashton Wood worked together before Kian Foreman struck under the Grimsby goalkeeper to make it 1-1.

The second half saw another tidy performance from Pools, who enjoyed a large portion of possession and created dangerous openings.

One chance saw substitute Jack Wallace hit a strike under the crossbar before hitting down onto the turf and being collected by the keeper. Despite large Hartlepool protests, the goal wasn’t given.

Pools rued missed chances as the game went on, leading to a Grimsby winner in stoppage time.

That didn’t come without controversary, however, as Foreman struck a second for Pools in the dying seconds. That goal was ruled out by the referee, leaving Grimsby with a 2-1 win.

Youth team coach, Graeme Clark, was left frustrated to come away empty handed.

“We’re bitterly disappointed,” he stated.

“We controlled the game from start to finish, but it’s gutting to come away with a defeat.

“It would be easy to question the officiating, but we need to look at ourselves. We fell short in both boxes and ultimately kept the opposition in the game.

“We ended up getting our pocket picked and losing a game we should have won comfortably.

“We need to lift our heads up and go again next weekend as we travel to Bradford City.”