NEALE Cooper admits it wasn't Hartlepool United's day as they failed to break down a stubborn Boston rearguard.

Pool couldn't make it 13 consecutive victories at Victoria Park and they now have to travel to York Street a week on Wednesday to try and secure a passage into round four.

The Pool boss cut a disappointed figure and said: "We are still in the draw, there's plenty of other teams who have been knocked out who would like to be in the hat.

"I just don't think we played to our potential.

"We've been on a great run of form and I think a few of the boys looked a little bit tired.

"The back four were excellent when they had to be - the central defenders especially.

"I don't think they caused us that many problems.

"But what we needed was more movement and better passing. The midfield were pressing too far up and playing too close to the strikers and I thought the strikers could do a lot better than they did.

"It just didn't happen for us. But, saying that, their goalie has made a few vital saves.

"One came back off his legs and, on another day, we would be in front and in control.''

Pool lost out on a late chance to progress when Adam Boyd fired a penalty high over the bar and Cooper said: "But what a chance to go and win the game. Boydy took it and it's gone.

"I felt like everyone else. It's heart in mouth time last kick of the match and we all felt it.

"If he scored we were through, but I know we will all be up for it in the replay.

"They came to defend and keep it tight. As an away team they have done it well.

"We tried to change the system a little bit, dropping Boydy in the hole and pushing Eifion Williams up front, but we couldn't get through.

"It wasn't for the lack of trying, but at least we have another chance when we go down there next week.

"They have a good home record, but our away form is picking up nicely.

"A lot of the boys were hurting in the dressing room.''

Read more about Hartlepool here.