HARTLEPOOL UNITED suffered a defeat against the most effective team to have visited the Super 6 Stadium this season.

Pools lost to a single second-half goal, scrambled home by striker Adi Yussuf.

But they would have been three goals down after 30 minutes if it wasn’t for the heroics of keeper Scott Loach.

He made three top-drawer saves as Moors, second in the table after this victory, started strongly.

Pools keeper Scott Loach made three sublime first-half saves to keep out the direct and dominant visitors.

But the keeper mis-judged a corner on 58 minutes, then seemed to have it covered before dropping the ball and striker Adi Yussuf tapped in from close range.

Pools did try and push the visitors back and moved the ball around well, but failed to get in behind a determined back four.

Hignett said: “I feel for Scott, I really for. He was outstanding and kept us in to half-time, then he makes a mistake when we are on top. I can’t criticise him for the performance, I want him to come out and catch more and punch more and I will accept the odd mistake.

“We just quite weren’t good enough it the final third to open them up.

“Loachy apologised to the lads and we all said there’s no need to apologise – he did enough first half to earn his wages for the next two months.

“We knew what we could get – we had to stand up to them and we have to be strong. It was tough against a really good side who are good at what they do.

“We changed it second half and got on the front foot and looked brighter, but didn’t get a chance to break them down.’’

Visiting boss Tim Flowers admitted: “I thought we were sensational from start to finish – a consummate performance against a good side, who are on the up.

“With Craig in charge, they have quality players in the front six -a real exiting side to watch.

“It was as well as we have played all season. Front foot, out of the blocks, at it with challenges, getting the front thee high up the pitch.

“If it wasn’t for their keeper at half-time time we could and should have been two and three up and game over.

“We are creating chances for fun, got quality in the box and look fit and strong. We have been working, believe it or not, on being physical in training, running, sprinting and we looked a yard quicker and sharper.

“It’s as well as we played for a long time.’’