Craig Harrison believes it was one point gained, not two lost as his side came from behind to earn their first National League point at Macclesfield.

Jake Cassidy netted a 58th minute equaliser to cancel out Danny Whitaker's opener for the Silkmen.

And Harrison, disappointed that his side did not make their dominance pay, admitted that looking at the bigger picture a draw on the road can be seen as no bad thing.

"Of course, I am not happy with a point because I want to make sure I win every game," said the manager.

"But looking at the bigger picture, to come away with a point from Macclesfield, who have finished in the top eight for the last four years, is not a bad thing.

"When we look back at our points tally at the end of the season, I am sure we will be pleased with the one we picked up here."

Having watched his side put in a disappointing show against Dover on the opening day, Harrison was keen not for a repeat.

And while he just made the one change in terms of personnel - Cassidy starting up top for Michael Woods - he switched to a 4-4-2 with the summer signing supporting Padraig Amond.

Pools got off to a flyer, zipping the ball around all over the park in the opening 15 - with Jack Munns prominent.

But despite a couple of efforts by Munns and Cassidy the visitors were on the back foot at the half wore on.

Scott Loach had to be at his very best to deny Whitaker, producing a world-class stop from a 18-yard effort.

He was not to be denied five minutes later when his flicked header from a right-wing cross nestled in the far corner, with the former England call-up given no chance.

After the break Pools upped the ante.

And it took them until just before the hour mark to make their mark.

On his first start, Cassidy got on the end of an inch perfect Ryan Donaldson centre to head in. On the balance of play it was deserved.

Buoyed by their equaliser Pools went on the offensive - Munns coming close to making 2-1, sees his shot scuff wide when it looked easier to score.

Munns was then withdrawn, having put in a much more solid show, in favour of Blair Adams.

And with that change the visitors had a fresh outlet, and used Adams' pace to good effect.

But despite a Donaldson chance late on Pools had to settle for a point, despite dominating proceedings in the second 45.

Harrison continued: "We had a reaction from the opening day. We lost the first day and the players responded well, especially to going behind.

"God knows what we will be like if we come in at half-time level instead of a goal down like the last two games.

“The lads were exceptional. They really, really dug in out there. I am pleased for them."

MATCHFACTS

Goals: Whitaker (38, 1-0); Cassidy (58, 1-1)

Bookings: Donnelly, Marsh

Referee: Joseph Johnson

Entertainment: 3/5

MACCLESFIELD (4-5-1): Jalal 7; Yates 7, Lowe 6, Pilkington (Kennedy 61, 6) 6, Fitzpatrick 7; Baba 7, Durrell (Arthur 81) 7, Burgess (Wilson 71) 6, Whitaker 7, Lloyd 6; Marsh 6. Subs (not used): Richards, Hancox.

HARTLEPOOL (4-4-2): Loach 7; Magnay 7, Harrison 7, Laing 6, Donnelly 6; Donaldson 6, Hawkins 6, Newton 7, Munns 6 (Adams 70, 7); Amond 7, Cassidy 8. Subs (not used): Featherstone, Woods, Deverdics, Rodney.

MAN OF THE MATCH Jake Cassidy – showed what he can do from the start