HARTLEPOOL UNITED slumped to a 2-1 defeat at Maidenhead United as they have yet to win in three games this season.
Pools were second best for long periods of the game against part-time opposition as life in the National League proves tough.
Apart from a late rally, when Padraig Amond scored an 86th minute penalty to reduce the gap, Pools offered nothing.
They started with three centre-halves and never looked settled against hard-working opposition. 
Tarpey scored the opener with a route one goal – a long kick from the keeper was flicked on and the striker got in to angle a finish across Scott Loach. 
The second goal was a disaster for Pools – especially defender Louis Laing. He played a square ball in his own half direct to Tarpey who raced away to finish.
With 32 minutes to go, Pools were facing a real embarrassment.
After Amond’s spot-kick they did rally and have a couple of chances,  but overall a point wouldn’t have been a deserved one. 


MAIDENHEAD UNITED: Pentney; Clerima, Massey, Goodman, Kilman; Pritchard (Mulley 70), Odametey, Upward (Inman 90), Comley; Tarpey, Marks (Clifton 59). Subs: Hyde, Barratt. 

HARTLEPOOL UNITED (3-5-2): Loach; Laing, Donnelly (Rodney 67), Harrison; Magnay, Newton, Hawkins (Woods 46), Donaldson (Deverdics 67), Adams; Cassidy, Amond. Subs: Featherstone, Munns.