First defeat for Pools as Charlton show their class

Hartlepool's encouraging start to the season came to an abrupt end as Charlton Athletic marked their first ever visit to Victoria Park with a performance which suggested they must be very strong candidates not only for promotion back to the Championship, but for the League One title. Two quick goals in the first half killed off Pools as Charlton won with something to spare.

The Londoners were the better side in virtually every respect, and it really was one of those games where Pools and their fans just had to shrug their shoulders and admit they were second best.
They were good in parts, with Gary Liddle top-class in defence, but they need to pose more of a threat to opposing defences and good though Denis Behan looks, they won't do that until either James Brown or Adam Boyd  - or preferably both - are back to something like their best.
Pools boss Chris Turner was philosophical in defeat, admitting Charlton were a solid side whoch showed more composure on the ball.
He added that as a team Pools are still in the process of blending and insisted that while they were well baten, they were not outclassed or shown up.
Now he wants his players to bounce back for tuesday night's home game against Bristol Rovers, when he is hoping that Richie Jones and Colin Larkin, who both missed the Charlton game because of injury, will be fit.
After Saturday's setback in front of almost 4,500 fans, Pools badly need to bounce back and chalk up their first League One win of the season.
It's important they don't fall into a losing habit so early in the season and Turner will be keen for his playes to turn the positive signs they have shown so far into a positive result against a Rover side who followed up their opening day defeat at home to Orient with a useful 2-0 win at Stockport on Saturday.