Turner's side took an early lead against Southampton on Tuesday

Hartlepool director of sport Chris Turner says his side must stop being League One's "nearly team" if they are to avoid relegation.

Tuesday's 3-2 defeat by Southampton left Pools just two points clear of the drop zone as Turner was left to rue a game his side let slip.

"We're the nearly team against all the sides at the top, we've nearly got something," Turner told BBC Tees.

"We were on top but if individuals make errors what can you do?"

Turner added: "We cannot afford to make mistakes against teams at this level, against teams of the quality of Southampton.

"We keep doing nearly enough to get something out of the game but we just fail."

Pools have now lost their last 10 games away from Victoria Park, but are unbeaten in their last five home matches.

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