Lee Clark admits Hartlepool United's recent ill-discipline is 'becoming a problem'

Pools had a man sent off for the third time in eight National League games on Wednesday night as Clark's side were condemned to a 2-1 defeat by Altrincham in Greater Manchester.

With the game on a knife-edge and the two teams locked at 1-1, skipper Jack Hunter was dismissed with 18 minutes of normal time remaining for a second bookable offence.

Hunter, who was cautioned in the first half after dragging down veteran striker Kane Hemmings as the hosts looked to catch Pools on the counter-attack, could have few complaints after committing another cynical foul midway through the second period.