PRUDHOE Town failed to turn possession into goals as they went down fighting to Hartlepool.

The hosts played some fantastic football at times and created a number of chances, but it was the away side who showed a more clinical edge to come away with all three points.

Without a game for three weeks, Prudhoe looked up for the challenge and sprayed the football around with ease as they left their opponents chasing shadows at times.

They had to play with 10 men for 75 minutes of the encounter as they Josh Brooks was an early dismissal after picking up two early yellow cards.

His first came after just three minutes following a foul, although he and his teammates were left reeling by the reaction of the Hartlepool opponent which contributed to two yellows becoming a red just quarter-of-an-hour in.

Hartlepool levelled things out before the break though, Kalon Lloyd shown a straight red as he kicked out at the grounded Ste Forster to see both teams reduced to 10.

In the meantime, Prudhoe continued with their game plan and various half chances came their way, although they were unable to find the killer touch in the final third.

For all their chances, Town nearly found themselves trailing at the break as the best opening of the break fell to the away side.

Hartlepool looked dangerous at set pieces and had a glorious opportunity from a corner kick, the effort missing the target and Prudhoe relieved to remain on level terms.

The Citizens came racing out of the traps for the second half and again dictated the play in the opening 20 minutes.

They starved Pool of possession for large spells and it seemed only a matter of time before their dominance would translate into goals.

So they were rocked at the other end when they conceded a penalty, Sam Mannion desperately diving in to a tackle with substitute John Stephenson as his team found themselves exposed against the run of play.

Referee Ian Freeland had no hesitation into pointing to the spot, and Alex Marshall made no mistake from 12 yards to put Hartlepool in the driving seat.

There was no way back for Town five minutes later as they were again caught out at the back, this time as they pushed men forward looking for the equaliser.

A long ball was pounced upon by Stephenson, and the replacement’s impact from the bench continued as he rounded goalkeeper Liam Blair and slid the ball home to double Pool’s advantage.

Again, Prudhoe huffed and puffed but couldn’t find a way back into the game.

However, they left the pitch knowing they gave their sixth placed opponents a tough time, and also acknowledged that possession doesn’t win games.