RICHARD MONEY admitted it was a frustrating afternoon for everyone connected with Hartlepool United as his side lost at home again.

Pools went down 2-1 at the Super 6 Stadium to Maidstone, suffering a sixth home defeat of the season – as the second bottom Stones recorded their sixth away win.

Money’s side fell behind on three minutes when the visitors attacked on the counter attack.

Jake Cassidy levelled under two minutes later with a close-range, angled finish.

But again Pools were caught out on the counter attack, with Jack Powell picked out in the area and he was able to turn and fire in.

Pools were unable to break down a firm defensive line in the second half and frustration and disappointment came to the fore as the home crowd looked on with the visitors seeing the game out relatively comfortably.

The Pools boss spoke openly about the mentality around the club in his post-match press conference and admits turning the club’s fortunes around will take time and patience.

He said: “It was a frustrating afternoon, a disappointing one because of the scoreline. Sometimes when you are trying to build something very rarely does he curve go continually upwards.

“That was a chastening afternoon in the end. There’s two ways out of this league – I got and get nine 6ft 5 in players and bash the ball forwards. But this team is not built for that.

“We have to play in the way to try and work the ball. Times we play too short, into the press, making mistakes trying to do it.

“As manager you have to analyse all of that to how you can be better going forward.

“There’s been some really good signs in the last few games. This wasn’t a step backwards, but the more we open up the more vulnerable we look.’’

He added: “They came and did a job, nine behind the ball and say break us down. We play over the top, next ball, throw it up there – or try and work it through.

“We have to, while doing that, be stable at the back. For me that is the number one thing about how we go about it.,

“We don’t think danger when we have the ball and we have to be at our best defensive. We are camped in their half, don't deal with a break and are one-down.

“Then we level, get on top without creating a lot but get caught on the counter attack.

“Second half is a different game, different mindset as we are trailing. The crowd get more agitated, more frustrated, more antagonistic and life becomes more difficult.

“If we play long ball and ugly, I don’t think that is the way forwards for a club of this stature and size.

“It’s not a step back, especially after winning on New Year’s Day, and we want to go again.’’