A day to forget for Pools as they were defeated 3-0 against Woking.
It was the nightmare start for Challinor's men as just after two minutes, Lofthouse crossed into the box, the first ball wasn't dealt with and it fell to former Premier League man Matt Jarvis who struck the ball on the edge of the box into the bottom corner to make it 1-0 to the hosts.
799 fans returned to the Kingfield Stadium for the first time since last season and they certainly got the start they must have been dreaming of.
Woking continued to put the pressure on Pools who were unable to put together a five-minute spell of possession and on 17 minutes, the afternoon went from bad to worse. A corner ball from Casey was once again not dealt with and centre back Cook volleyed home to make it 2-0.
Hartlepool looked to quickly turn around their fortunes and just three minutes later Cass attacked down the right-hand side, his cross was met by the head of Armstrong who was only able to put his effort over.
The biggest chance of the afternoon for Pools came just before half time as Rhys Oates whipped a cross in towards Bloomfield and it ended up being a touch from Woking defender Cook who directed it towards his own goal resulting in a great save by Ross with his feet.
The second half started very much the same as most of the first was played out with Woking on the front foot. On 60 minutes the tie would be sealed, a miss pass from Killip gave the ball straight to Dempsey who squared the ball to Spazov and the Woking forward had the easiest of finishes to make it 3-0.
An odd ending to the game saw a late challenge on Shelton from Kretzschmar which resulted in a red card. Certainly shocking the whole crowd and backroom staff as the dismissal was unexpected.
Pools will now have a full week before next Saturday's FA Trophy game against Halifax Town.
SUBS:
55' Ofosu and Grey for Bloomfield and Oates
74' Donaldson for Odusina
CARDS:
53' Cass
58' Ofosu