North East | Hartlepool knocked out of FA Cup

Hartlepool United 1 - 3 Gainsborough Trinity

Nicky Featherstone’s first match as interim manager ended in a defeat at the Prestige Group Stadium as Hartlepool were eliminated from the FA Cup by seventh-tier Gainsborough Trinity. 

Author | Jay Dean

Stadium | Prestige Group Stadium 

Pre-match

First-half strikes from Sisa Tuntulwana and Fraser Preston gave Trinity an early lead, before Preston secured victory with a long-range free kick. Luke Charman scored a late consolation for the home side, but it proved insufficient.

Featherstone made four changes from the side that drew 1-1 in the first fixture of the tie, including Kian Foreman, who made his first full start for the club. Jack Hunter also returned following injuries to Tom Parkes and Maxim Kouogun at the weekend. 

What happened on the pitch on the night?

Pools began brightly and nearly opened the scoring when Charman raced behind the defence and crossed to Danny Johnson, whose strike was deflected wide. Trinity took the lead after 17 minutes, with Tuntulwana completing a fine solo run from 20 yards out. He came close to a second six minutes later, but failed to convert a one-on-one chance. 

They threatened again on the half-hour, as a clever ball from Jay Benn reached Charman, whose shot was deflected wide. Trinity doubled their advantage five minutes before halftime when Preston cut inside and curled a shot into the top corner, and added a third shortly after the restart with a long-range free kick. Pools managed a late goal when Bes Topallaj’s long ball found Charman, who slotted past David Robson. 

Hartlepool boss spoke to the press after FA Cup defeat...https://t.co/fliDhEgieN

— European Super Football (@ESFootballNews) October 15, 2025

Hartlepool return to action on Saturday in the National League away at Sutton United. After a bad run of form, they need to start picking up results again. This cup defeat stops what could have been a lucrative FA Cup run.