The key talking points from Hartlepool United's late defeat at Rochdale as Graeme Lee's side continue to stumble towards the League Two finish line

Pools, managed by assistant boss Michael Nelson in place of Graeme Lee who tested positive for COVID-19, were in a commanding position at the break after Bryn Morris’ first goal for the club.

Morris latched onto the end of Joe White’s teasing cross to hammer home as Pools dictated play for much of the opening 45 minutes.

But that was as good as it got for the travelling 646 supporters as their side succumbed to the intense pressure of Rochdale in the second half.

After several warning signs, Jimmy Keohane levelled the scores just after the hour when he slid in at the back post to convert Max Clark’s low cross.

Clark, perhaps unfortunately, then saw a goal ruled out moments later for an offside as the home side continued to keep Pools on the back foot.

And just as it appeared as though they would escape with a point, Pools allowed Rochdale captain Eoghan O’Connell the freedom of the Crown Oil Arena before firing beyond Ben Killip deep into stoppage time.

And here we look at some of the key talking points from Pools’ late defeat.

Graeme Lee absence

Naturally, it was a surprise to learn of Lee’s condition late on Monday morning and that he would miss the trip to Rochdale.

Lee was said to be in good spirits, at least prior to the full-time whistle at the Crown Oil Arena, and the hope is he will be able to return to his duties by the end of the week.

The well wishes, of course, go out to Lee in the hope of a speedy recovery from the virus, but the impact of his absence did not seem to affect Pools.

As Nelson stated post-match, these players have played enough games under Lee, and spent enough hours with him on the training ground, to understand what is required of them which made the transition for Nelson a relatively comfortable one.

But while there was one less voice, Pools went about their business admirably in the first half exhibiting, arguably, one of their finer displays of the season.

Rochdale boss Robbie Stockdale described his team’s first half performance as ‘shocking’ but for that you must also give Pools credit.

Everything Lee has wanted from his players since the Salford City defeat at the beginning of the month was on display. They were efficient, there was an urgency and an intensity and there was a purpose to their play.