Saturday 5 April 2014 20:31, UK
Hartlepool manager Colin Cooper was unhappy with his side's horror start to the game in their 1-0 defeat to Portsmouth.
Portsmouth took the lead in the second minute when Adam Webster tapped into an open net, after goalkeeper Andy Rafferty denied Ryan Taylor. The hosts had a great chance to double their lead just a minute after when they were awarded a penalty after Wes Fogden was tripped in the box, but Rafferty saved Taylor's spot-kick. Pools were unable to force their way back onto level terms and Cooper blamed his side's slow start for their fourth consecutive defeat. "First half wasn't good enough, it's that simple," he said. "In the second half we came out and set our ground a little bit better but at least there was more huffing and puffing in their half. "What can you expect from Portsmouth in front of their own fans? They want a few points and they won away last week with some really grit and determination so why wouldn't they be up for it? "To allow the ball in your own box and defend the way we did, that's not good enough."
