JOHN HUGHES reiterated the need to change Hartlepool United after his side made it eight winless and goalless games.

Pools lost again, going down at Stevenage. It was their fourth defeat in five games and they have not scored a goal in 720 minutes, or 12 shabby hours.

They have lost 17 away games this season – more than anyone else in the division – and conceded 38 goals – again the division’s most.

Only Scunthorpe have scored fewer away goals, one less than Pools’ 17.
They had a couple of half-chances yesterday, but clear openings or close shaves were a rare event again.
Oldham drew with Colchester which means Pools are eight points from safety with 12 to play for, although the Latics have three games in hand.
Pools could be relegated when fellow bottom four dwellers Bury visit Victoria Park at the weekend.

And, with Hughes last week calling for a swift meeting with the club’s hierarchy to thrash out a budget and squad plans for next season, the need to change is all too evident.
The bulk of the squad have been there for a number of seasons and things need to change.
“It’s the story of our season isn’t it? It’s no slight on the players, but is there an acceptance to admit defeat,’’ he reflected. “Yes, we play well, take plaudits for that, but we will concede. Where’s the determination to keep that clean sheet and play football?
“I wouldn’t go at the players, but is that the mindset about the place right now? If it is then we will have to change the culture and the outlook to make sure we keep a clean sheet and play from that.’’

Keeping a clean sheet is a big ask for Pools, however.
They conceded the only goal on 76 minutes. Luke Freeman cut across from the left wing, and after his shot was blocked, the ball deflected into the path of Max Ehmer and the right back angled his low shot across Scott Flinders.
The goal came at a time when Pools were enjoying their most potent attacking spell of the game. Perhaps even of the last few games.

Luke James was put on in place of Jack Baldwin – already booked, and suffering an ankle knock – and his willingness to run the channels in behind the defence offered an outlet.
Charlie Wyke gave an improved display up front, and wasn’t afraid to drop deep to help out when needed.

James angled a low shot across keeper Steve Arnold and wide of the far post, before his ball beyond the face of goal from a similar area evaded Andy Monkhouse .
Pools were, actually, the livelier team. They were competent in possession and organised.
The home side were under the control of manager Graham Westley, back in charge after a spell at Preston. Victory means he has recorded five successive wins over Pools for the two clubs.
Following a tame first half, Stevenage could have been down to ten men at the start of the second-half. Wyke got goal side after heading the ball past Mark Roberts and the centre-half stopped the loan striker by taking him down.

Perhaps only the close presence of David Gray saved the yellow card from being red.
Neil Austin took the free-kick and curled it at Steve Arnold.
The goalkeeper Steve Arnold did well to keep out a curling Simon Walton free-kick from 25 yards as well. Walton was allowed to play despite being sent-off on Good Friday against MK Dons.
Pools appealed the decision and, with the FA shut for the Easter weekend, the decision won’t be reviewed until today. A three-game suspension lingers.

The need for Walton to be available yesterday was proved in looking at the substitutes’ bench. Only James can be classed as a first-team – or even reserve – regular.
“It’s another game without a goal and I said to the players this was an improvement on our last away game at Oldham and we were competitive and had some pride in our performance, we passed it very well,’’ said Hughes.

“I also said that teams who are winning, things go for them in front of goal. When you are losing it doesn’t.
“These things are going against us, but is that the mindset? I’ll say this and the real top sportsmen have a willingness to do things and make things happen.
“Have a self-belief and confidence.

“We created a few chances, but it’s the same old story in that we cannot get the ball over the line.
“I’m bitterly disappointed, especially for the effort and workrate they have put in.’’

Goal: Ehmer (76, 1-0)
Bookings: Baldwin (28, foul), Grant (foul 38), Roberts (foul 47), Monkhouse (63, foul), Dunne (71, foul)
Referee: Carl Berry (Surrey) 7
Entertainment: PP
STEVENAGE (4-4-2): Arnold 5; Gray 6, Roberts 7, N’Gala 7, Ehmer 5; Akins 5 (Deacon 80), Dunne 5, Shroot 5 (Grant 24, 6), FREEMAN 7; Haber 6, Lopez 5 (Morais 61, 6). Subs (not used): Day (gk), Jeffrey, Hoskins, Deacon, Smith.
HARTLEPOOL UNITED (4-3-2-1): Flinders 6; Austin 7, Collins 6, Hartley 6, Holden 7; Baldwin 7 (James 66, 6), Humphreys 5, Walton 5; Franks 5 (Rutherford 86), Monkhouse 5; Wyke 6. Subs (not used): Rowbotham, Rutherford, Buddle, Hawkins, McHugh, Boagey.
MAN OF THE MATCH
DARREN Holden – didn’t let anyone down at left back

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