Hartlepool United Head Coach Lee Clark highlighted his side’s improved performance following a change in formation as a positive, despite Pools suffering a 2-1 defeat away to Altrincham.

Tom Crawford’s late winner secured all three points for the hosts after Jamie Miley had levelled the tie. Pools finished with 10-men when Jack Hunter was dismissed with 20 minutes remaining.

Despite the defeat, Pools boss praised his side’s attacking play in a new system, but called for more discipline from his players.

“I thought we played some excellent football, and created some really good chances in the first half,” Clark told HUFC.co.uk

“Brooklyn Ilunga was a massive threat for us down the left-hand side and put some great crosses in – we just had to be more clinical.

“I thought the new system worked brilliantly with the two playing in the pockets as 10s – I thought Jack and Cole were exciting.

“Then it’s a bit of discipline again. That’s the third time in eight games that we’ve gone down to 10 men.

“I think if we stayed 11v11 we could’ve gone on to win the game; but when you go a man down you have to change one or two things.”

It’s a quick turnaround for Pools, who will look to bounce back this Saturday (12:30pm KO) when they face newly-promoted Worthing at Victoria Park.

“We’ve got to go again; it’s a tough period, but we’ve got to come out the other end,” Clark added.

“We’ve got to regroup and recover tomorrow at the training ground, review the footage, and discuss the positives and negatives.”