POOL returned from Christmas last Saturday but illness left them with just one substitute and they suffered a heavy 6-0 defeat to Hartshead.

Despite this, they dominated the first 15 minutes creating plenty of opportunities but were unable to capitalise.

Against the run of play, Hartshead had one notable attack in this period, producing a shot that had an element of luck but powered into the top corner.

Their second came following a superb move down their left, the cool finish completing a well-worked goal.

From then on Hartshead were generally hungrier for the ball, giving Pool little time to compose themselves, so when the third goal came early in the second half the match was effectively over.

Pool, to their credit never gave up, but as they pushed forward to try to get something out of the match, gaps were inevitably left at the back, which Hartshead took full advantage of.

This result does nothing to help Pool avoid being dragged into a relegation fight in West Yorkshire League Division One, however, with several players due to return and new signings imminent they will aim to recapture their better their early season form.