RITCHIE Humphreys admitted his Hartlepool United teammates were hurting after being dumped out of the FA Cup.

Pool squandered a good chance to reach the third round for the third season in a row as they slumped to a pitiful 2-1 home defeat to Tamworth.

While the part-time Conference side celebrated at Victoria Park, the Pool players headed for the sanctuary of the dressing room, which, Humphreys admitted, was an unhappy place.

"Everyone was very down in the dressing room,'' he said. "The fans weren't happy but I can tell you there was 16 lads in the dressing room who felt just as bad.

"We are all disappointed and embarrassed because we haven't played to the best of our ability.

"We started the game well, had a few chances, one or two penalty shouts and hit the post, but they came to nothing and we are all left disappointed.

"Full credit to them, they got their goals at the right times, especially the second right after the restart. They handled themselves well and defended tremendously well when we put them under pressure.''

Pool started on top and had early chances, but failed to take them and Humphreys added: "We didn't under estimate them, not one bit. We've had games in this competition against non-League teams and we know the importance of starting well.

"If you get a goal or two early on it makes it difficult for them. But we didn't and they got one at the other end.

"Our quality on the ball in the final third wasn't good enough, because we didn't cause them problems from good positions.

"We all wanted to be in the draw, but it wasn't to be and good luck to Tamworth.''

Tamworth striker Jake Edwards played for Exeter in last season's FA Cup ties with Manchester United and the scorer admitted: "We're all part-time here, so the lads will all be at work on Monday, telling their mates on the building site or wherever all about it.

"It means a hell of a lot to everyone to win away at a League One club again. The last couple of minutes was heart in mouth time, but we defended so well. Yes, we rode our luck at times, but you need that.''

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