Hartlepool United Women have found themselves in the NERWFL Northern bottom three after a 1-0 defeat at home to Washington.

But Gareth Horwood’s side have an immediate opportunity to get out of the relegation zone if they can win this Sunday at Consett Ladies.

Pools were left frustrated by Sunday’s late defeat at Metcalfe Park, where they enjoyed the majority of the play without reward.

However, Pools still have five games remaining to play their way to safety.

The battle for survival is incredibly tight with a mere four points separating the bottom six teams in the table, from Redcar Town in seventh to Chester-le-Street Amazons in 12th.

“We’re all confident that if we continue playing in this manner, we’ll pick up the necessary points to stay in the division,” declared Horwood.

Sunday’s visit of top-half outfit Washington proved a close-fought affair.

For the majority of the contest, Pools dictated play and created goalscoring opportunities, but couldn’t convert them.

As the match wore on it looked more and more likely that one goal would settle it.

A lapse in concentration led to a free-kick being conceded on the edge of the area with five minutes to play and Jessica Cook displayed the individual brilliance to put the ball into the top corner.

It left Horwood with mixed emotions, with the head coach pleased with the development of his side while upset that they emerged empty-handed after a “well-played game”.

He said: “It’s always frustrating when your team dominates but still ends up on the losing side.

“Despite the disappointing result, from a personal perspective, the team looks more organised, is playing with greater intensity, and is developing a clear identity.

“Game by game, the players are building an understanding of one another.

“It’s just the finer details – better game management at both ends of the pitch – that need refining.

“The players’ disappointment after the game was visible, which is a good sign because it shows they are hungry to achieve more.”