Positives and negatives were on the table for Academy Manager, Alex Cross, following a 3-0 defeat at home to Chesterfield on Friday afternoon.

The Academy boss explains it was a game of two halves at Blackhall, with disappointment the ultimate emotion at full time.

Julius Hounsell and Joe Aungiers created good chances early on, while Jacob Penprase looked like scoring but the midfielder rattled the post.

Alex Pavan hit the side netting as the referee blew for half time, with Pools in the ascendency.

However, the second half started with back-to-back goals for Chesterfield, both from long balls over the Hartlepool defence.

The third was added from a cross, and while Pools found good openings to pull back a consolation, the score remained 3-0 at full time.

“It’s mixed emotions for us,” stated Cross.

“It was a really impressive first half display, but a very poor second half. It was nowhere near the standards we set ourselves.

“Credit to Chesterfield as they made it really difficult for us in that second half.

“We have to take the positives from the first 45, where we probably should’ve been ahead, and go again next week against Rotherham.”