HARTLEPOOL UNITED’S desperate start to life in the National League continued as they lost at home to AFC Flyde.

Two divisions separated the sides last season, but the visitors fully deserved their win – their first of the season.

Pools never managed a shot on target in 90 minutes and it was only in the closing stages they won their first corner.

The crowd was down on last time out at Victoria Park, but it will be even lower next weekend. Pools go to Guiseley on Monday; nothing other than a convincing win will do.

Pools had a scare when, from a deep corner, Tunnicliffe’s header was cleared off the line by Donaldson.

Scott Harrison was easily beaten out wide, and from Rowe’s cross Henry Jones was unmarked to volley in.

On 51 minutes, Rowe took a free-kick from 25 yards, curled around the wall and keeper Scott Loach saved well.

Flyde keeper Rhys Taylor was a spectator throughout and his side got a late second as the Pools defence stood off to allow Rowe a tap-in.