Hartlepool United's perfect season record was ended by a 2-1 defeat to Sutton United. Coach Lee Clark admitted his players failed to show 'the real Hartlepool United' as they lost for the first time this term. The hosts took the lead through Temi Babalola before Emmanuel Osadebe doubled their advantage. Corey McKeown reduced the deficit before the break. Pools pressed late but could not equalize. Clark highlighted poor pressing and final-third execution as key issues.