Chris Turner paid tribute to his players - and travelling fans - after Hartlepool's first league visit to Carrow Road ended in defeat. 'I thought the players were absolutely superb,' said Turner.

Chris Turner paid tribute to his players - and travelling fans - after Hartlepool's first league visit to Carrow Road ended in defeat.

“I thought the players were absolutely superb,” said Turner.

“There were 25,000 people baying for blood and expecting four or five goals, but we quietened them down within 10 minutes when they were on top.

“I thought we more than matched them and in the second half I don't really remember Scott Flinders having to make a save - and we created some good openings at the other end such as when Denis Behan got through but had a shot saved.

“We had the best two chances of the second half to get a result and I've got nothing but positives to take from the game and a lot of faith in our squad.

“There was no point coming here and playing for a 0-0. We came into it positively and tried to win it from the first whistle.

“The work rate and commitment was superb and I think the fans appreciated that when they gave the players a good ovation at the end.

“The fans were tremendous today as they were on Tuesday night - they've stuck by the team and I know we haven't won, but today I thought we gave them something back.”

Hartlepool's director of sport saw Neil Austin put his side ahead on 26 minutes - only for Cody McDonald to level 63 seconds later and Michael Rose to score the winner five minutes after that.

“The only naivety from ourselves is that we allowed them back into the game so quickly,” said Turner.

“If we could've possibly held that lead for a few more minutes or even until half-time then things may have been different.

“But I'm not a mug, they've got some great players here at this level and you know they're always going to create chances.”