Punchless Pools in another slump

Perhaps Hartlepool United were asking for trouble when they breathed a sigh of relief after reaching the 50-point mark in League One, because since they virtually assured themselves of safety they have lost three games on the bounce and have fallen into another one of their occasional slumps.

The latest setback, a 2-0 home defeat at the hands of Rochdale on Friday night was just the latest example of a team struggling to stamp any authority on the game and in the end getting what they deserved – nothing.

Mick Wadsworth says some members of his squad are having to play with injuries because they are so stretched at the moment, but surely he is experienced and wise enough not to use that as an excuse. After all, at this stage of the season there are a lot of teams suffering in the same way.

He told the Northern Echo: “There have been some really good things this season and some times when it's tough to take. This was disappointing, but it's part of sport isn't it?

"We started well and brightly. But the goal changed the game and gave them confidence,

"Yes, we've got injuries, but we are what we are and don't bleat about it. Losing players, key players at that, doesn't help and we have players we cannot leave out.

"Players are playing with injuries and they want to play, which is great, but it's hard to change around.

"We would love to have our injured players back, but we will deal with it.''

They certainly didn’t deal with Rochdale, who started the game second best against a Pools side obviously keen to put last weekend’s 5-2 shocker at Walsall behind them. But after Andy Monkhouse had a shot saved, Sam Collins a header cleared off the line and Fabian Yantorno an effort blocked, Gary Jones score to give Dale the lead.

From then on, Rochdale were the better side and it as they who looked more likely scorer, doing it when Craig Dawson hammered in from 20 yards.

As has so often happened this season, and in many other seasons in the past, usual, Pools were woefully weak up front both before and after Ryan Donaldson and Colin Larkin were replaced by Adam Boyd and Denis Behan.

So many forwards have failed to live up to their billing for Pools this season that strengthening the attack mjust be their summer priority. In the absence of any word from the secret society which is the Pools boardroom, we can only assume that this task will fall to Wadsworth.

In which case, the best of luck to him. He'll need it.