"We need to fight" says Pools boss

Hartlepool United suffered a reality check as they slumped to a surprise home defeat against League One strugglers Dagenham and Redbridge and after clawing their way to the fringe of the play-off zone they suddenly find themselves back in the old inconsistency routine.

A late goal gave the visitors their win after Pools had struggled to cope with the windy conditions and to turn many chances into goals.
But they only have themselves to blame – the game was there to be won and they blew it.
They were well on top against the wind in the first half, missing chance after chance, but after the break it all went to pieces and even a side struggling as Dagenham are were good enough to cash in, Gavin Tomlin scoring from close in after a low cross.
Mick Wadsworth told the club website that the wind could not be used as an excuse and added: “I thought in the first half we handled things very well, but playing with the wind can sometimes be hard.
“We didn’t create as well in the second half … we let ourselves down really.
“We had a good run, but now we find ourselves back in reality land and we have to fight, think, work hard and get back to some strong performances.”
He admitted that needs to start on Tuesday night, when Pools make the trip to Bristol Rovers for their rearranged game against another team struggling near the wrong end of the table, who were held to a 2-2 draw by bottom club Walsall in their last home game and then hammered 4-0 at Carlisle at the weekend.
After three league and cup defeats in a row, Pools have failed to cash in on their excellent December and New Year’s Day’s 4-2 home win over Oldham.
It’s time they did if Wadsworth’s prediction that his team can achieve something this season is to come true.