Hartlepool 3 Blackpool 1 Scorers: Hartlepool: Henderson (2), Miller Blackpool: Wellens WELL the brilliant spell had to end sooner or later and Blackpool met their match in the terrible conditions.

The Seasiders came to Victoria Park looking to leapfrog Hartlepool side into the playoff zone but ended up getting stuck in the mud.

Despite the scoreline being harsh on Pool, they had only themselves to blame for not adapting to the conditions.

Pool had more goal scoring chances but in the end Hartlepool deserved to win the match.

Just before kick-off the heavens opened and huge puddles formed on the pitch and the game looked certain to be called off but the referee deemed the pitch suitable for play minutes before kick off.

Not surprisingly the opening minutes were a struggle for Pool. First Richard Wellens only just managed to lift the ball out of the sand and mud in an attempt to clear. Moments later Ian Hughes was in a mix-up with Phil Barnes (pictured) which ended in a corner.

Hartlepool on the other hand adapted to the surface quickly, using the relatively dry wings and avoiding the muddy centre. Tommy Miller was the first to take advantage drilling a shot just wide on five minutes. Pool went a goal down when Craig Midgley sprinted down the right and pulled the ball behind the Blackpool defence. Kevin Hendson met the ball to score the opening goal.

Pool finally adapted to the conditions, opting to use the wings like their opponents.They looked a better side towards half-time and a wonderful move involving Simpson, Jaszczun and Milligan deserved better but Wellens finish was off target. Still raining, Pool continued their good spell in the second half. But then came the moment of the game that really summed up Pool's afternoon.

After two great chances for Ormerod where the ball twice got stuck in the mud, Hartlepool broke at the other end and Ian Henderson finished the game off by adding a second when Blackpool could and should have been in front themselves. To Blackpool's credit they fought their way back into the game. But again Pool failed to finish any of their chances as the muddy surface plagued strikers Ormerod, Murphy and by now new signing Richard Walker who was brought on as substitute for his debut.

Not long after Hartlepool put the game beyond doubt when Ian Hughes miss-judged a challenge in the box and conceded a penalty. Tommy Miller stepped up and made no mistake, placing past the unfortunate Phil Barnes.

Pool did grab a consolation goal when Ormerod finally got a bit of luck when Hartlepool keeper Anthony Williams failed to read the bounce from his hopeful shot.

It was no less than he and Blackpool deserved.