Pete Wild - 'harsh reality' is that Hartlepool United must now prioritise National League survival

Pools were dumped out of the FA Cup in ignominious fashion on Saturday, losing 2-0 at home to National League North side Marine.

Having never previously failed to reach the first round proper of England's oldest and most historic competition in their entire history, Pools have now been knocked out at the fourth qualifying round stage in each of the last four years.

While Wild did what he could to motivate his players during the week, hailing the "brilliant" FA Cup as both the biggest and the best competition in the world, lacklustre Pools produced a performance that was sluggish, uncertain and lacking quality in the final third.