Hignett fuming after heavy defeat

Backed by 527 away fans, dressed as Stormtroopers, it’s fair to say the force wasn’t strong with them.

Adopting a new and different 4-2-2-2 formation, Pools were second best throughout. Boss Craig Hignett, after four successive defeats to end the season, accused his players of already being on the beach.

He was furious in his post-match assessment.

“I can’t say what I feel, ashamed, embarrassed, disgusted. I said before I didn’t want an end of season jolly up and that’s what I got,’’ he fumed.

“Non effort, non trying, lack of hard work, crappy end of the season performance – that’s exactly what it was.

“We started well, a different system, but not enough showed and as soon as they first went in we crumbled.

“I’ve said in there, if that’s what we get they may as well go and stack shelves as Asda because performances like that I win I won’t tolerate.’’

Pools conceded on six minutes, when Tyler Harvey’s low shot bounced across keeper Trevor Carson and into the far side of the net.

It soon became two as they were picked off on the counter attack, and Harvey get there ahead of Nicky Featherstone to net.

Carl Magnay and Rob Jones were forced off through injury at half time and Pools patched up back four was embarrassed in the second half.

However, number three was unstoppable shot – as Louis Rooney, on his debut, blasted a fine volley high over Carson.

The fourth was from a corner, freely headed in by Curtis Nelson at the far post.

For the fifth, the back four was ripped open and Rooney headed in a simple fifth to complete Pools biggest defat of the season.

PLYMOUTH ARGYLE (4-4-2): Dorel; Mellor, Nelson (Bentley 66), Forster, Sawyer; Tanner, Boateng (Carey 76), Purrington, Wylde; Harvey, Rooney. Subs: Jervis, Mass, McCormick (gk), Bentley.

HARTLEPOOL UNITED (4-2-2-2): Carson; Magnay (Gray 46), R Jones (Richards 46), Jackson, D Jones; Featherstone, Hawkins; Woods, James; Thomas, Paynter. Subs: Bartlett (gk), Bingham, Oates, Laurent.