SOMETIMES even the best laid plans don't turn out as intended.
Few managers can have been as thorough and meticulous as Martin Scott as Hartlepool United's new manager prepared for life as a manager on a permanent basis.
And, as a result, few can have been as disappointed come 4.45pm on Saturday.
Because what Scott got was a performance that was a little dysfunctional from the normal swift passing game he has become accustomed to at Victoria Park.
With Scott's four new signings all handed their debuts, Pool looked like a team getting to know each other. The last time Pool fielded four new recruits in the same side was two years ago when Micky Nelson, Andy Jordan, Paul Robinson and Gavin Strachan played their part in the thrilling opening day victory at Peterborough.
That day it took going 3-1 down before they clicked into gear but on Saturday, a comeback after Dean Windass' eighth minute opener was always hoped for rather than expected.
This time around, the team featuring Darren Williams, Lee Bullock, Chris Llewellyn and Michael Proctor didn't do enough with their possession to get the better of a well-drilled eight-man defensive unit.
After the successes of late, it's a game plan Pool may face on plenty more occasions this season, a mark of respect for what has gone on at Victoria Park.
In the last two seasons, the Christmas decorations have been down before Pool have lost in front of their own fans.
This time, it's happened before the second Test Match of the summer has ended.
"We worked on everything to plan for a victory on Saturday, but it just didn't happen,'' said Scott. "If we had won I wouldn't have got carried away - I would have been more pleased than I felt on Saturday, but we will learn from it.
"We knew what Bradford would do with two banks of four and they kept it tight. Windass has shown what quality he has again."
Saturday was the day, after a first game defeat, to trot out the 'there's a long way to go' cliche. Thankfully, for Pool, it's a fact as well and they won't have to face Windass every week.
Windass is adept at stealing space off the central defenders and he did just that to give the visitors the lead. Marc Bridge-Wilkinson drifted into space on the right and floated over a cross for the striker to plant a header past Dimi Konstantopoulos.
Ten minutes after the break it was two. Humphreys lost possession inside the opposition half, Windass picked it up and fed Bobby Petta who raced 60 yards to collect
The left winger cut across the covering Darren Williams and rolled the ball into the far corner to become an instant hero with the travelling fans for his efforts.
Darlington supporters must wish he had shown the same application last season.
For the first time in six years, Pool lost their opening game. It didn't affect them last time and Scott will make sure it doesn't this time either.
Result: Hartlepool United 0 Bradford City 2.
Read more about Hartlepool here.
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