Hartlepool United suffered a heartbreaking 4-3 defeat in a thrilling encounter at the Mangata Developments Stadium in the Enterprise National League.

A first-half penalty from Danny Cashman and a strike from Tom White gave The Wood a two-goal advantage at the interval.

Pools responded after the break through Max Kouogun, Cole Deeming and a sensational long-range effort from Jamie Miley. However, late goals from Zak Brunt and Matt Rush secured all three points for the hosts.

Pete Wild made two changes to the side for the fixture against the National League leaders, with Max Merrick and Jack Nolan both returning to the starting line-up.

Following a cagey opening, the hosts were awarded a penalty on 20 minutes after Deeming was penalised for a high foot, and Cashman converted confidently from the spot.

Pools’ first opportunity arrived on 26 minutes, when a perfectly weighted pass from Deeming released Brooklyn Ilunga down the left. His first-time cross narrowly evaded Will Harris, who was waiting for a tap-in.

The home side doubled their lead on the stroke of half-time when White weaved his way towards goal before calmly finishing beneath Merrick.

Hartlepool began the second half on the front foot and pulled a goal back immediately, as Kouogun rose highest in the box to meet Nolan’s cross and head into the far corner past Curd.

Within minutes, Pools were level. Deeming pounced on a heavy touch from White, intercepted the ball and picked his spot to score his first goal for the Club.

The visitors then turned the game on its head on the hour mark, when Miley collected a loose ball on the halfway line and caught Curd off his line with an audacious long-range effort.

The league leaders continued to press in pursuit of extending their unbeaten run, and levelled inside the final five minutes when Oliver Bainbridge’s pull-back from the byline was converted by Brunt.

The Wood then snatched a late winner deep into added time, as an unmarked Rush slotted Whitfield’s cross into the far corner beyond Merrick to seal the victory.

Pools return to action on Tuesday evening, when they welcome Leeds United Under-21s to Victoria Park in the National League Cup.

HUFC XI | Merrick, Kouogun, McNally ©, Ilunga (Charman 64’) (Popov 73’), Miley, Harris (Hugill 78’), Sheron, Nolan, Deeming (Hunter 78’), Clark, Lavelle.

Subs not used | Fisher, Gibson, Penprase.