Hartlepool United Women must look to turn dominance into goals in the NERWFL Northern Division after their losing run went on with a 2-0 defeat at Bishop Auckland.

It proved an incredibly frustrating day for manager Alex Curl and his team.

The performance was really good, controlling the game from the first whistle and dominating possession.

Pools could have scored multiple goals in the opening part of the game, but it was Bishop who, completely against the run of play, struck first.

The team responded to this setback and continued to play good football, but gained no reward.

After the break, it was much of the same, with the visitors patient in their build up and creating many chances.

But, again, no goals came and Bishop Auckland doubled their lead on the hour.

Pools did not give up but ended with a blank scoreline.

Curl said: “The relationships within the squad were evident, players had a great understanding of each other’s movement which was a real positive.

“Bishops second goal was a dagger. We fought until the end but it just wasn’t our day.

“Between the boxes we were brilliant for 90 minutes but Bishop Auckland won the game in both boxes.

“We’ll take the many positives from the game and move onto next week.”

Image: Michael Ibbotson