Hartlepool United fell to a narrow 1-0 defeat to Halifax Town on Tuesday evening in the Enterprise National League.

After a goalless first 45, Will Hugill’s strike ten minutes after the interval was enough to clinch maximum points for the Shaymen.

Lee Clark made five changes to his starting XI, with Nathan Sheron, Jordan Hugill, Liam Gibson, Cameron John and Jack Nolan all returning. Corey McKeown and Max Kouogun missed out due to minor knocks.

Pools made a bright start and applied early pressure, with Will Harris and Brooklyn Ilunga both going close to breaking the deadlock inside the opening 15 minutes.

Max Merrick was called into action shortly afterwards, producing two excellent saves in quick succession to deny Conor Carty. The Halifax striker raced through on goal twice within a matter of minutes, but Merrick remained alert to keep the scores level.

Hartlepool came within inches of taking the lead inside the final five minutes of the half. Jordan Hugill latched onto Jamie Miley’s pass before seeing his effort crash against the crossbar.

The hosts broke the deadlock on 55 minutes when Will Hugill, left unmarked, collected Zak Gilsenan’s pass before calmly slotting the ball beyond Merrick.

Substitute Terry Bondo had an opportunity to level with 15 minutes remaining, but the forward was unable to direct his header towards goal.

Pools continued to push forward in search of an equaliser, with Jay Benn finding space inside the area before seeing his effort comfortably gathered by Grant.

Moments later, Nolan tested the Halifax goalkeeper from the edge of the box, stinging Grant’s palms, before Benn fired the rebound narrowly wide of the near post.

Pools are back in league action on Saturday when they welcome Woking to Victoria Park (KO 3pm BST)

HUFC XI: Merrick, Benn, John (Hunter 50’), McNally ©, Ilunga, Miley, Hugill (Bondo 60’), Harris, Sheron, Nolan, Gibson (Thornton 70’).

Subs not used: Fisher, Penman, Penprase, Popov.