Lee Clark - Hartlepool United have 'a great opportunity' to bounce back against Eastleigh

Having won each of their opening two National League matches this term, Pools suffered their first defeat of the new season at the hands of a physical, energetic and powerful Sutton United side on Saturday.

Following such an encouraging start to the new campaign, Pools were well below their best in South London and could have few complaints at heading back to the North East empty-handed.

Although Pools were without first choice goalkeeper Max Merrick, who had kept back-to-back clean sheets at the beginning of the season, as well as highly-rated winger Jack Nolan, the manner of the defeat at Gander Green Lane was doubtless cause for concern for Clark.