A NEW formation, a new line-up and some new players in the ranks. But for Hartlepool United it ended in the same old story.

Pools altered their outlook against Oxford, but ended up suffering another home defeat. There’s been far, far too many at Victoria Park in recent seasons.

However, if they play like they did against the new League Two leaders, and with the same verve and outlook then they will certainly win more than they lose in the coming weeks and months.

They will need the same vibrancy and application in Friday’s FA Cup tie at Salford City if they are to avoid a repeat of last season’s televised humbling by Blyth.

Starting with a 4-3-3 formation, it was hard at times to work out exactly what system Pools were playing such was the level of movement between the players.

Pools did, of course, start the season with a similar set-up, but this time two players introduced to the squad in recent weeks – Jake Gray and Kai Naismith - seemed more naturally suited to it.

Carl Magnay, a holding midfielder for the majority of the season, was allowed to roam at will and it was a regular occurrence to see him in the opposition penalty area rather than sitting in front of his own.

That job was down to Nicky Featherstone, a midfielder who has been quiet of late, too often taking the easy sideways passing option.

Instead this time he revelled being the hub of a three-man midfield, got on the ball plenty and passed it with authority.

That Pools ended up losing was down to the fact they were up against the division’s best team. It’s only one defeat in 17 for the Us now and this was the sort of game a lesser side would have lost, and certainly not won.

The only goal came from a Pools corner, which was cleared and put away on the counter-attack. Alex MacDonald should have been taken out by Jake Carroll, who instead allowed the winger to get past him, and pick his cross out for substitute Danny Hylton to knock in.

The manner of the goal was a cause of concern for Ronnie Moore.

“Full-backs show wingers down the line – the opportunity comes from them coming across into the box,’’ he mused. “It was too simple, trip him up, but take a booking. Good defenders don’t show attackers inside.

“We had half-chances and another day it goes in, but against top of the League then one lapse and it costs you.

“It comes from our corner, too easily, put the winger down the line and don’t let him inside and cross and put it where he wants to and Hylton isn’t going to miss from there.’’

Pools were good in the opening 45 minutes, as impressive as they were second-half against Orient at home last time out.

Gray clipped the bar with a fine individual effort that deserved better and a three-man midfield suits his roaming game.

But Pools best chance came with the score at 0-0. Mikael Mandron was played in on goal, had all the time he needed to get his composure and finish, only to be denied by Ben Buchel.

Really the goalkeeper should not have had any chance of saving it.

Pools shortly afterwards lost Magnay to an eye problem, suffering from blurred vision after being whacked.

Moore said: “Two key moments – Mandron scored and it changes it the game, you can’t miss it, Good football, great pass and he has to decide – chip or hit it? He’s learning the role, he’s worked hard, chased a lot but will be an instinctive finisher, not a poacher.

“Carl is fit as hell – he can play anywhere, he likes a tackle and makes them higher up and got in some good positions, he’s had a knock on his eye, all blurry and there’s no way he could stay on.

“We missed him, Brad’s (Walker) gone in and gone close with a couple of shots and we need him to come back to form. I am disappointed because we have come off and if we can’t win it, then don’t lose it.’’

Once Pools trailed, they were picked off too often by the visitors, and it was only down to the ability of Trevor Carson that the score remained at one.

The goalkeeper was tremendous and Us boss Michael Appleton admitted: “Trevor Carson was outstanding. Last season we played Cheltenham three times and he was man of the match in each game when he was playing for them.

“He always seems to do quite well against my teams! Thankfully we beat him to get the points.’’