A disappointing performance brought United's Pontin's Holiday League campaign to a premature end against Hartlepool at Victoria Park on Wednesday.

Even surprise appearances after injury by Nick Montgomery and Chris Armstrong couldn't halt the goal avalanche as the Blades were crushed 5-2 by the Pools.

The loss left United out of the play-off picture, despite Sheffield Wednesday losing 0-2 at home against York City.

Despite Jordan Robertson putting the visitors in front, the visitors hit five without response in the first-half, before youngster Jack Adams scored a consolation goal in the second period.

The game began at a frantic pace and this set the tone for the first period. ROBERTSON opened the scoring for the Blades in the 12th minute when he poked home after breaking through the Pools backline.

It was all downhill from there though, five minutes later the home side were level. Following an excellent run and cross by Antwi, TYMON managed to force the ball in from close range.

Another four minutes had elapsed when YOUNG put the Pools in front, following a one-two with Foley. It was that man, FOLEY, who made it 3-1 after 26 minutes when he powered in a shot from 25 yards.

FOLEY notched his second and the hosts fourth moments later, beating four United defenders before finishing with ease. GOTT made it five just before the interval, with Foley again playing an instrumental part.

The Blades made three changes at half-time, with Nick Montgomery making his comeback after recovering from the broken metatarsal that he sustained against Barnsley in December.

Two of the substitutes then combined to give United a glimmer of hope. Good work by Tahar freed ADAMS, who coolly lifted the ball over the oncoming keeper.

United then pushed on in an attempt to restore some pride, but this was curtailed when Tahar was sent-off for an off-the-ball incident in the dying stages.

Hartlepool: Budtz, Antwi, Robson, Tait, Collins (Ellison 64), Turnbull, Young, Gott, Tymon, Foley, McCunnie (Haymer 84).
Unused: Ruddy, Scott, Allison.

Blades: Lee, Chapman, Armstrong, Ashmore, Chanot, Lowton (Montgomery 46), Law, Wedgbury, Slavkovski (Adams 46), Robertson, Quinn (Tahar 46).
Unused: Walker, Askham.