In a disappointing performance, Pools were defeated 3-1 at Maidenhead United on Tuesday night. Callum Cooke's equaliser was in vain as Maidenhead ran out winners at York Road.
Pools had an early chance straight from kick-off, but Joe Grey's strike was off target. At the other end, Maidenhead put the pressure on and the first goal followed shortly afterwards when Casey Pettit turned the ball beyond Pete Jameson.
Jameson made some good saves throughout the first half, while Sam Barratt also hit the woodwork for the hosts. Pools struggled to get forward, with a Mani Dieseurvwe header the only real chance before the break.
After the interval, Pools came out the brighter of the two sides. In the 52nd minute, they got their equaliser. A fantastic run and cross from Louis Stephenson eventually found Cooke, and his first-time volley whistled into the corner for parity.
Pools looked to get their foot on the ball in the aftermath, with Grey seeing a goalbound shot deflected over the bar.
At the other end, Jameson made a great save from Shawn McCoulsky, but it was in vain. Sam Beckwith cut in from the left and his right-footed shot deflected off Dieseruvwe to beat Jameson.
Nine minutes later, Maidenhead made it safe. Nicky Featherstone's loose pass was intercepted, and McCoulsky was on hand to turn the cross-shot into the net to make it 3-1.
Kevin Phillips' side now look ahead to Dagenham & Redbridge on Saturday in their final home game of the season.
Pools: Jameson, Stephenson, Waterfall, Parkes, Ferguson, Featherstone, Crawford (Steel 88), Grey, Cooke, Cooper (Agyemang 62), Dieseruvwe
Subs (not used): Dixon, Darcy, Storey
