Ritchie Humphreys admitted a slack second half cost Hartlepool United dearly at Brighton on Saturday.

Pool shaded the opening period at Withdean, before missing a second-half penalty and going down to two breakaway goals.

Humphreys said: "We had some good possession in the first half. At times we looked like the home team.

"I thought we were quite dominant but without really having any clear-cut chances.

"We went in at half time quite happy. We always knew they were going to come at us and we started it quite sloppily but we regrouped and got the penalty. It was a great ball through from Daz (Darrell Clarke).

"It happened so quickly and to be honest I did not see whether there were any other lads around him. I would not have wanted Jim sent off if it was the other way around.

"Gav stepped up to take it and was confident about it but unfortunately missed. He can't be blamed. He had the nerve to step up and take it.

"They are not easy - I know that.

"It probably would have been a different game if that had gone in but you cannot dwell on things like that.

"I think from then on we stopped doing the things that were hurting them like getting the ball in behind them.''

Humphreys, again skipper in the absence of Micky Barron, was booked in the second half. Hugh Robertson had kicked the ball away in frustration after a free-kick went in Brighton's favour.

Referee Ross called over Humphreys and flashed the yellow card in a case of mistaken identity.

Ross promised Humphreys he would review the incident.

He said: "I said at the time I had not kicked the ball away but he booked me anyway.

"After the game I asked the referee to have a look at it and he assured me he would, so it should be all right when he has seen the tape.

"If not I will have a fine to pay which is a bit harsh when it was the referee's mistake."

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