An inexperienced Pool side went down 3-1 at Carlisle United on Monday afternoon. The Cumbrians fielded an experienced side, whilst the Seasiders had only Matt Kay and Phil Doughty with any senior experience. A Ross Lloyd header gave the Seasiders some hope, but it was striker Derek Holmes who ensured Pool had a miserable journey back down the M6 with a second half hat trick.

On the performance coach Steve Thompson said, "When I saw their team sheet I thought it was going to be like the Alamo, but to their credit the lads have done well, they worked their socks off and deserved the goal. The scoreline flatters them somewhat, they nicked the third right at the end of the game but overall I was delighted with the work ethic."

Pool also included three trialists in the side Thompson admitted it was difficult to make a decision based on one game, "The lads came in and did well, we have had a lot worse over the season. It is never easy coming into a side on the day of a game and the three didn't let anyone down, they gave it their all and showed a fantastic work rate, it is difficult to make a decision on one game but we will have to see what happens."