A SINGLE goal proved Hartlepool United's downfall on their second and final game of their Dutch tour last night.

After a 1-0 win over Top Oss on Tuesday, Pool went down by the same scoreline to Den Bosch.

Relegated from the Dutch top flight last season, the home side were expected to prove a tough test and so it proved for boss Martin Scott.

"Den Bosch are a good side," admitted Scott.

"They were in the top division last season beating sides like PSV Eindhoven and Feyenoord so they are no mugs.

"They probably kept the ball better than us but we had chances to get goals but these games are all about working on your fitness and in that regard it's been excellent.''

Pool gave Micky Nelson and Ritchie Humphreys outings in the first-half, with Gavin Strachan and Eifion Williams playing the second.

The four were among a group who only returned to training eight days ago after playing big roles in Pool's success last season.

Pool: Konstantopoulos, Craddock, Robson, Nelson, Clark, Llewellyn, Humphreys, Bullock, Butler, Daly, Proctor.

* Pool's season review, Into The Millennium has been delayed after a fire at the production factory wiped out stock.

Pool will travel to Easter Road to face Scottish Premier League Hibs in a pre-season friendly on Tuesday, July 26. Home boss Tony Mowbray is likely to field a strong side.

Nottingham Forest have joined Pool in the race to sign Sunderland forward Michael Bridges.

Pool's League One rivals are keen on the striker, who has no future on Wearside.

However, the chance to stay in his native North-East could prove decisive for Pool boss Scott, who played with the striker during his time on Wearside.

Derby are also keen and there are a total of ten League One clubs interested.

Read more about Hartlepool here.