Player ratings as Hartlepool United fall to first defeat in three National League games against play-off chasing AFC Fylde

A surprise inclusion in the starting XI in the absence of Max Merrick, Nathan Fisher and Max Thomspon, the experienced goalkeeper likely won't have been best pleased with his role in the home side's opening goal after he allowed Luke McCormick's low effort to squirm underneath him. In his defence, the Yeovil Town loanee's strike appeared to deflect off the heel of Maxim Kouogun but, even so, he was a little slow to get down. The 33-year-old had enjoyed a relatively quiet evening up to that point, making a couple of regulation saves and coming to punch one corner clear through a crowd of bodies. His long kicks proved an asset and led to the opening goal when Luke Charman headed the ball on to Max Clark, who pulled it back for Will Harris. That said, never looked comfortable in possession and skewed a couple of balls straight out of play.