Boss apologises to travelling Pools fans

Hartlepool United head coach Anthony Limbrick apologised to Pools fans following a "bitterly disappointing" 5-1 defeat at the hands of promotion hopefuls Rochdale.

- Robbie Stelling

The final away game of the season is always a memorable one for Pools fans, who descended on Spotland dressed in flat caps as part of the club's annual fancy dress tradition, although this year's game might stick in the memory for all the wrong reasons.

Pools conceded five at Plymouth with fans dressed as Stormtroopers, failed to muster a shot at Barrow with Poolies kitted out as knights and have only ever won once since the tradition of fancy dress started 15 years ago; even so, Saturday's dismal showing must rank among the worst since supporters started dressing up to mark the end of the campaign.

Although the 730 fans who made the trip to Greater Manchester sang their hearts out and supported their side until the bitter end, even remaining long after full time to clap the Pools players and staff, the visitors were unable to find inspiration in the remarkable efforts of their long-suffering supporters as Dale secured a place in the National League play-offs.

Pools were outplayed, outclassed and, concerningly, outfought. While it is true that Rochdale had plenty to play for while Pools were stranded in mid-table, the contrast between Saturday's game and their impressive performance against Gateshead on Easter Monday was stark.

Pools started poorly and were punished after just five minutes when Devante Rodney, who has a habit of scoring against his former side, set Dale on their way from the penalty spot after Adam Smith had scythed down the marauding Tarryn Allarakhia.