Player ratings as Hartlepool United suffer first defeat of new National League season at Sutton United

Didn't look confident after replacing the injured Max Merrick and won't have been best pleased with his role in Sutton's opening goal, albeit he wasn't helped by some uncertain defending from Maxim Kouogun and Reiss McNally ahead of him. Unlike Merrick, the 21-year-old failed to command his area and remained rooted to his line throughout the first half as the home side - and, in particular, the long throw of defender Dan Urpens - bombarded his box. To his credit, he was much more positive after the break and came to collect a handful of crosses. Distribution was a bit hit and miss, although he at least tried to do the right thing and produced a handful of incisive balls through the lines. Won't have done much to help his case and Pools will be hoping to have Merrick back in time for Friday's visit of Eastleigh.