Player ratings as Hartlepool United suffer third successive defeat against Halifax Town

The Chelsea youngster was outstanding once again and was unfortunate to be on the losing side at the Shay. Produced two superb saves to deny Conor Carty in the space of three first half minutes, racing off his line to smother the Irishman's lofted effort after half an hour before making a brilliant stop moments later after the 24-year-old once again stole in-behind the lacklustre Pools back line. As Pools fans are becoming accustomed to, Merrick dominated his area and came well off his line to deal with several searching crosses, even charging out of his box to beat Halifax attackers to a handful of loose balls. Did well to prevent substitute Ben Tollitt from adding a second late on, but needs more help from those in front of him.