NEALE Cooper admitted he has been given plenty of food for thought in seeing two defeats in two games since he returned to Hartlepool United.

A New Year’s Eve defeat at Sheffield United, for which Cooper took a back seat, was followed up with a home game with Scunthorpe.

Again, Pool lost at Victoria Park – their ninth successive home defeat in as many games.

It is a run which is as bewildering as it is confusing for all.

Confidence is being sapped and, as soon as Pool fell behind on 32 minutes, the outcome was predictable.

Cooper said: It is disappointing, it is a fickle game and it is nice to have such a welcome coming back but it is all about results.

“Overall our performance was second best, missing out on second balls in the middle of the park and the players should enjoy playing here in front of a big crowd.

“We lacked pace throughout and we looked vulnerable a the back. It was too easy for them to get balls into their strikers and we did not do it.

“I apologise to our supporters for it, I did not enjoy watching it.”

The hoped-for positive start to the game did not materialise and it took Pool too long to get going.

Throughout the game, teenage winger Luke James was their sharpest player and the most likely player in a blue and white shirt to create anything.

The Iron, without a win since October, scored when Garry Thompson skirted past Peter Hartley, crossed and Sam Togwell was there to score.

Pool could have levelled on 52 minutes, Adam Boyd twice going close and his low volley was heading for the corner of the net before defender Niall Canavan blocked.