Hartlepool United Women exited the NERWFL League Cup at the quarter-final stage, losing 3-2 despite a spirited display against Wallsend at Grayfields. Pools created plenty of chances and took the lead early in the game but found the Tynesiders in a clinical mood in front of goal.
Pools opted for youth in their starting eleven, bringing U23 players Abbie Morrison and Eden Pearson into the line-up for their first senior starts. Pearson made an immediate impression by scoring 13 minutes into her debut. The young forward latched onto Robyn Foster's pass and took a touch before firing past the reach of the goalkeeper into the bottom corner.
In the ascendancy in the early stages, Pools quickly set about extending their advantage. Wallsend's goalkeeper Jenny Blench twice came to their rescue, first reacting well to save a shot from Morrison before tipping Foster's header wide from inside the box.
Hartlepool were left to rue their missed chances as the visitors equalised in the 26th minute. Anna Wuerfel's free-kick from the halfway line proved too much for Ella Field in the Pools goal and levelled the game.
Wallsend went into the break 2-1 ahead. Erin Donachie got the better of Chelsea Basnett and Jade Pye in the Pools defence to charge down on goal and confidently slotted past Field. Pools could count themselves unfortunate to have gone into half-time behind.
Pools didn't let their heads drop though and continued to battle. Foster and Charlie Geary both saw efforts denied by an in-form Blench as Hartlepool fought to stay in the cup.
The visitors found the killer third goal to secure their semi-final place midway through the second period. A lobbed pass found Eleanor Regan inside the Pools penalty area and she hit an impressive half-volley past Field to make it 3-1.
However, Hartlepool found a lifeline ten minutes from time. Zara Johnson finished first time from a Foster pass to set up an entertaining finish to the game.
Pools had a late chance through Alisha Smith to complete the comeback but it ultimately wasn't to be. Heads could be lifted high on the final whistle despite the result, after pushing an impressive Wallsend side all the way.
Pools: Field, Charlie Geary, Basnett (Coleman 65), Pye, Garside, Portas (McIndoe 46), Morrison, Anya Geary (Smith 65), Foster, Johnson, Pearson (Thornton 76)