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Frontman Will Harris failed to score for the third game in succession as 10-man Hartlepool United were beaten 1-0 by Eastleigh on Friday night, going down in agonising fashion following Nelson Khumbeni's 97th minute strike. Picture by Adam Cook/The Corner Photography.

Player ratings as 10-man Hartlepool United denied by 97th minute strike in agonising Eastleigh defeat

10-man Hartlepool United were denied what would have been a hard-fought point at home to Eastleigh following Nelson Khumbeni's 97th minute effort on Friday night. Here's what our editor made of the Pools players as Lee Clark's side were condemned to a second successive defeat, losing 1-0 to the in-form Spitfires.

28.08.26, 23:01 Updated 28.08.26, 23:01 5 Minute Read

Robbie Stelling

Robbie Stelling

Max Merrick: 7

Survived a couple of nervous moments in the first half, once when he was bailed out by Brooklyn Ilunga's superb sliding clearance after he was beaten to a through ball by Aaron Blair and again when he failed to collect a deep free-kick after charging to the edge of his box. Other than that, however, the Chelsea youngster was excellent and unfortunate to have been denied what would have been a third successive clean sheet by Nelson Khumbeni's 97th minute piledriver. Hard to remember a Pools goalkeeper with quite the same level of confidence when coming for crosses and his handling as well as his command of his area are a sight to behold. Promises to be a huge asset this season.

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Robbie Stelling

Robbie Stelling Editor

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