PAUL MURRAY’S managerial career got off to a losing start, Hartlepool United falling to late defeat at Cambridge.

Following a woeful opening half, Pools responded well in the second half, improved and suffered a disappointing defeat – one that dumps them bottom of the Football  League.

Pools were very poor in the first half as they were overran by a rampant home side – the best they have played all season according to boss Richard Money.

That they only had one goal to their name was a relief for Pools.

The goal came when Ryan Donaldson, a former Newcastle trainee who spent time on loan at Pools, was played in behind Sam Collins and finished across Scott Flinders.

Collins was immense at the heart of the defence, his first game in the side after being in caretaker command in recent weeks.

Murray put Marlon Harewood on at the break and he responded with a positive cameo. He was willing to chase the home defenders down and put them under pressure.

He helped play the ball into the path of Bradley  Walker to confidently finish from the edge of the area.

Walker had earlier saw a 25-yard drive tipped over and showed signs of getting back to form after a disappointing spell of late.

But as Pools looked set for a welcome point, they conceded with three minutes to go when a long throw in was headed in and Harrison Dunk headed in from close range.

 

CAMBRIDGE: Dunn; Tait, Nelson, Coulson, Taylor; Donaldson, Champion (Dunk 67), Hughes, Chadwick (Naylor 60); Elliott, Appiah (Simpson 88). Subs: Norris (gk), Lanzoni, Lennon, Bird.

HARTLEPOOL UNITED: Flinders; Duckworth, Collins, Harrison, Austin; Walker, Miller, Crooks (Woods 75); Brobbel (Harewood 46), Wyke, Franks (Smith 66). Subs: Holden, Hawkins, Richards, Jones.