Hartlepool United fell out of the Emirates FA Cup in the fourth qualifying round after National League North side Brackley Town completed a cup upset on Tuesday night.
The sides met on Saturday afternoon at the Prestige Group Stadium, with Adam Campbell’s late strike ruling out George Carline’s goal to take it to a replay. A home tie against Braintree Town awaited the winner in the first round proper.
Darren Sarll made two changes to his team on the road, with Billy Sass-Davies and Nicky Featherstone coming in for Luke Waterfall and Greg Sloggett.
Pools struck first after Joe Grey was brought down inside the box by Carline and the referee pointed to the spot. Mani Dieseruvwe converted from 12 yards, sending Jonny Maxted the wrong way on 30 minutes.
However just moments later, Brackley equalised through Morgan Roberts despite an initial fantastic save from Brad Young in the Pools goal.
The sides went into the break level, however just eight minutes into the second half, Brackley took the lead through an unmarked Scott Pollock at the back post.
Darren Sarll responded with three substitutions in the hope of getting back into the game with Roshaun Mathurin, Adam Campbell and Sloggett introduced.
Though on 73 minutes, the home side extended their lead to three and it was Pollock again. He poked home in front of goal after a long throw caught the Pools defence off guard.
Pools didn’t provide much going forward after Brackley went two goals to the good and the game ended 3-1 to the National League North side.
The Saints will face Braintree Town at St James Park in the first round, while Pools crash out of the competition.
Pools: Young, Dodds (Steel 87′), Sass-Davies, Parkes, Ferguson, Sheron (Sloggett 69′), Featherstone, Mancini (Mathruin 63′), Charman (Campbell 69′), Grey, Dieseruvwe
Subs (not used): Smith, Waterfall, Onariase
Image: mitchdavidsonphotography
