Hartlepool United fell to a narrow 1-0 defeat against Harrogate Town in the Enterprise National League.

Bailey Hobson’s goal early in the second half was all that separated the sides at Victoria Park.

Newly-signed goalkeeper Max Thompson went straight into the Pools starting XI, one of five changes made following last weekend’s defeat against Scunthorpe United.

On 19 minutes, the hosts threatened when, after a superb piece of skill, Will Harris slipped through Charlie Thornton, who saw his close-range effort tipped inches wide by Luke Hutchinson.

Near the half-hour mark, Pools probed again as Jamie Miley found Harris on the right side of the box, but his powerful strike flashed just over the bar.

After a smart stop from Max Thompson to deny Brad Dolaghan inside the Pools penalty area, Harris released Jordan Hugill in-on-goal just before the break, whose effort narrowly evaded the bottom-left corner.

Harrogate took the lead 10 minutes into the second period when Hobson’s low shot from close-range took a wicked deflection to wrong-foot Thompson.

Minutes later, substitute Terry Bondo lined up a shot from distance, which drifted narrowly wide of Hutchinson’s right corner.

With five minutes of normal time to go, Jay Benn’s cross from the right-hand side was met by Luke Charman, who couldn’t direct his header on target, as Harrogate held out for three points.

Pools are back in Enterprise National League action on Saturday when they welcome Tamworth to Victoria Park.

HUFC XI: Thompson, John (Ilunga 71’), Hunter ©, McNally, Miley, Hugill (Charman 61’), Harris, Eccleston (Benn 46’), Sheron, Thornton (Bondo 46’), Deeming (Nolan 61’).

Substitutions: Fisher, Popov.