NEALE Cooper bemoaned a lack of fight in his side as they fell to a surprise defeat to Brentford.
Pool were two goals down after half an hour as the visitors' work ethic and commitment put Pool on the back foot.
And Cooper admitted: "We never started right, never won a ball in midfield, never won a ball at the back. They wanted it more than us and bullied us.
"They were in your face and had the fight for it - they won tackles and headers. Our ball from back to front was useless, it never happened. They bullied our central defenders. We were not good enough.
"Last week at Grimsby, we wanted it more than them; this time it was the other way round.
"We don't have real aggression in the side and it's a lesson for us. We put Tinks at the back and missed him in the middle, lost that aerial benefit he brings.
"Players were poor and we paid the price. Yes, it's been a sad week for everyone, but the players have to be lifted for the game after what has gone on, but we weren't good enough out there.
"Workrate and commitment is always there but this time it wasn't. Some players had an off day and we are not good enough to cope with it.''
He added: "Later on we had chances, Boydy scored a great goal to bring us back into it, but we couldn't get another.
"The damage had already been done.
"There was no lack of effort later on. We had chances and should have done better with them.''
Saturday could be the second and final game of the season for Brentford boss Martin Allen.
His former club Barnet are today applying for a High Court injunction which would prevent Allen from continuing his new job, claiming he is in breach of contract by walking out on the Conference side.
Unfazed, he said: "I'm looking forward to it (court).
"I will be there in court and be bright and breezy and hopefully I can carry on the job.
"The judge will rule how he sees fit.
"I want to stay in charge, but if I can't I will be at home doing my garden next Saturday.''
Read more about Hartlepool here.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article