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‘Difficult to accept’ - Hartlepool United Academy Manager reacts to shocking Middlesbrough defeat Hartlepool United Academy Manager reacts to shocking Middlesbrough defeat. Hartlepool United’s academy manager Alex Cross admits the 10-0 defeat to Middlesbrough in the National League Cup was ‘extremely difficult to accept’ but will ensure the young players learn from it. Cross led the side at Victoria Park, in front of hundreds of fans on Tuesday afternoon, against the Middlesbrough Premier League 2 side and Pools were on the receiving end of a club record defeat. Last season it is understood the competition forces clubs to start a minimum of four players in National League Cup matches that started for teams in either their previous league match, or start in the one that follows on from that particular National League Cup match. The Tuesday afternoon game at Victoria Park against Boro quickly descended into farce when first team players Brooklyn Ilunga, Will Harris, Chris Popov and first team captain Jack Hunter were all subbed within the opening minute. It didn’t get any better for Pools and they found themselves 3-0 down at half-time, Coulson, Campbell and Tika-Lemba with the goals for Boro in the opening 45. Any hopes of a better second half quickly faded, as Coulson went on to complete his hat-trick - ending the game with four goals - while Campbell, James, Kakai and Harrison all chipped in with goals to make it 10-0 at the final whistle. With it technically being classed as a first team fixture, it was therefore the club’s record-ever heaviest defeat, surpassing 1962's 10-1 defeat to Wrexham. Speaking to the club website, Cross said: “Disappointment is the overriding emotion. The scoreline was extremely difficult to accept, and the performance fell below the standards expected from any team representing Hartlepool United. There are no excuses for the result. We have to review the game honestly, understand where we fell short and ensure everyone involved takes the appropriate lessons from it. “These are young players at different stages of their development. Our responsibility is to support and challenge them, help them understand the demands they encountered and ensure the experience contributes positively to their progress.” The Mail has launched a new WhatsApp HUFC Channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates direct to your phone. Simply click this link to join our HUFC WhatsApp channel. He added: “Middlesbrough were excellent. They were extremely well coached, which is a credit to Mark Tinkler, and had some very talented players who maintained their intensity throughout the game. They showed us respect through the quality of their performance and were equally respectful afterwards. For our young players, including two 17-year-olds, it was an extremely demanding experience, but also one from which they can learn a great deal. “They experienced first-hand the speed of play, movement, decision-making and technical quality required against opposition of that calibre. The game provided a clear benchmark for the levels we want to work towards. It was an extremely difficult lesson, but development is not always comfortable. Experiences like this can become important reference points if players reflect honestly and respond in the right way.” Cross added: “From my perspective, my focus will be on the Under-21 players involved. They have applied themselves extremely well since the programme was established and have shown a genuine commitment to improving. One result does not change our belief in their potential or the work being undertaken. We will support them, challenge them and help them understand what they can take from the experience as they continue working towards senior football.” Your next Hartlepool United read: Lee Clark seeks perfection from Hartlepool United after promising start to season