Robbie Stelling reacts as Pools lose at rivals Carlisle

The Hartlepool Mail's Robbie Stelling reacts to Wednesday night's 3-1 defeat to rivals Carlisle.

Transcript

00:00I'm here at Brunson Park and as you'll be able to see behind me, the lights have just gone out here in Cumbria.

00:07Hartlepool United fans will certainly be hoping that's not a metaphor for the rest of their season.

00:13After their difficult recent run continued following a 3-1 defeat at the hands of rivals Carlisle United on Wednesday.

00:20Despite picking up four points from their last two matches prior to their trip to Cumbria,

00:24there's growing pressure on Pools who dropped to 11th and have now won just one of their last nine games.

00:30Pools went behind after just five minutes when Cameron Harper scored his first goal for Carlisle on his 50th appearance,

00:37following good work from the impressive Regan Linney who caused the visitors plenty of problems all night.

00:42Pools rallied after the break and Jermaine Francis drew the level just 30 seconds into the second half

00:47when he bundled home from close range after Luke Charmant's initial effort had somehow been kept out.

00:52However, Carlisle's pressure eventually told in the final quarter of an hour when the impressive Georgie Kelly made it 2-1.

01:00After a rare moment of lapse defending from Pools who allowed the Irishman who led the line really,

01:05really well for the hosts all evening to steal in front of them and poke home a smart first-time finish,

01:11Carlisle wrapped up the three points in the 90th minute when substitute Morgan Feeney headed home

01:16on a difficult night for Pools who lost impressive goalkeeper Harvey Cartwright,

01:20certainly the outstanding performer so far this season to injury after 38 minutes.

01:25Pools will now have to lick their wounds and go again ahead of the visit of York who began the season as title favourites on Saturday.

01:32They're going to have to do that with a depleted squad.

01:34Rhys McNally and Alex Reid once again absent here in Cumbria.

01:39Harvey Cartwright forced off in the first half.

01:42And Cameron John, of course, so impressive so far this season will be unable to play against his parent club.

01:48Concerning times perhaps for Pools.