Hartlepool United parted ways with manager Mick Clark following a 3-1 defeat to Worthing in a National League fixture on Saturday. Clark, who had been in charge for just over three months, expressed gratitude to the club’s staff, ownership, and supporters but acknowledged the challenges faced during his tenure.

Despite a significant summer investment, including the signings of National League talents Will Harris and Jack Nolan, Hartlepool struggled to gain momentum after an encouraging start that saw them win their first two matches. Consecutive away losses to Kidderminster and Altrincham, both played with a man down, increased pressure on Clark and his squad.

In Saturday’s match at Worthing, Hartlepool began strongly and controlled much of the possession early on. Will Harris forced a notable save from Worthing goalkeeper Taylor Seymour after a cross from Reiss McNally. However, Worthing took the lead in the 35th minute through Adjetey-Brew, who headed in a cross delivered by Aguiar.

Hartlepool nearly equalized in the 58th minute when Harris’s shot struck the crossbar and bounced away from the goal line. Worthing capitalized on this miss, extending their lead shortly after with a powerful 16-yard strike from Aguiar. Clark introduced three forwards in an attempt to change the game, and Harris pulled a goal back in the 77th minute by slotting home from a loose ball in an empty net. Still, Worthing sealed the result in injury time when Adjetey-Brew assisted Marquez for a header.

In his parting remarks, Clark wished his successor success and praised the club’s internal and external support, while hinting at the toll of a demanding football environment. “You have to understand in this game, I’m nearly 54, you have to understand when things aren’t going your way,” he said.

Worthing manager Adam Hinshelwood highlighted the team’s effective use of chances and noted the group’s progress in the National League since promotion. “We were clinical when the chances came,” Hinshelwood stated. “The lads were excellent today. We’ve played some hard teams so far, but we’ve played really well and I don’t think our points tally reflects our performances. We’re really starting to build something.”

Hartlepool’s search for a new manager follows a difficult run of results, while Worthing celebrate a second strong away victory in their debut National League campaign.