We deserved to be beaten - Wilson

Wilson was left puzzled by the manner of the defeat to Millwall

Hartlepool United manager Danny Wilson has admitted his side deserved to be beaten in their 2-0 away defeat to Millwall in League One on Saturday.

Pools were outmuscled and outwitted by the home side throughout and Wilson was left puzzled by the lack of fighting spirit from his side during the game.

"You don't come down to Millwall and expect an easy game," he told BBC Tees.

"If we don't work to the standards we expect then we're going to get beat, today was a prime example."

Wilson lost defender Michael Nelson to injury in Saturday's game, and along with midfielder Ritchie Jones the centre-back is unlikely to be fit for the visit of Cheltenham on Friday.

With a small squad already stretched by involvement in three competitions [League One, Carling Cup and Johnstone's Paint Trophy] Wilson conceded their absence may be missed.

"We've got Ben [Clark] out, we've got Willie [Bolland] out so along with those two we've got four key players out," he said.

"When the squad is as small as we've got we can't afford that.

"We're a different kettle of fish at home, we've done very well and let's put this behind us and let's hope we can get a good result on Friday night."