Ian McGuckin’s side bowed out of the Durham Challenge Cup on Wednesday night to Chester-le-Street United, despite an impressive first half performance.

The Hartlepool side was made up of Academy youngsters, alongside senior players Louis Stephenson and Kieran Wallace. Wallace would go onto play 85 minutes in his first appearance since suffering a long-term injury in February.

Pools enjoyed a large share of possession in the first half and almost grabbed a goal in the opening stages when Alfie Steel’s powerful header was clawed away at close-range.

There was another key moment before the break when Kian Foreman broke away on the counter-attack, driving past his man before firing agonisingly wide.

However, with the score level at the interval, Chester-le-Street came out all guns blazing and Stephen Siyanbola scored two after the hour mark.

Michael Nelson’s side continued to push as Michael Mallaburn and Reyhan Grimaud made it four as the clock ticked down.

Pools substitute Alex Pavan pulled one back late on, however McGuckin’s youngsters were unable to progress any further in the competition.

Pools: Conyard, Duthie, Grundle, Ashcroft (Wood 75’), Stephenson, Wallace (Purdy 85’), Aungiers (Hounsell 88’), Berry, Steel, Ormerod, Foreman (Pavan 64’)

Subs (not used): Daines