Hartlepool United Women could hold their heads high after falling narrowly short away to Washington on Sunday afternoon.

Pools Women travelled to Washington Hub to play their first game since November. It was a new-look dugout, with Gareth Horwood taking his first game as Head Coach alongside Andy Stuart.

The team’s rustiness showed early on, with Pools conceding twice from successive corners in the opening 15 minutes.

From there though, the away side deserved full credit.

Morgan Johnson found the net on the half hour, before Libbie Trainor made it 2-2 midway through the second half.

Pools carved out some brilliant openings but were unable to punish Washington and take the lead.

Eventually, Washington snatched a winner late on and Pools couldn’t salvage anything to show for their commendable efforts on the road.

Despite the 3-2 defeat, Gareth Horwood was pleased with what he saw from his new side.

“We were really good in possession,” he stated.

“We created numerous chances and for large parts, we dictated the game. It’s just a real shame we weren’t switched on from set-pieces and that’s what’s caught us out in the end.

“There are a lot of positives. It’s evident this group has a huge amount of potential and if we keep working hard, we can go on and win a few games.”

Pools Women return to Metcalfe Park next time out on Sunday 26 January against Redcar Town (2pm kick-off).