Hartlepool boss Graeme Lee admits there was disappointment after their FA Cup defeat to Crystal Palace.

Palace won 2-0 in London to reach the round of 16.

Lee said: "I was disappointed first half as we sat off them too much. The goal we conceded from a set-piece we shouldn't do. Second half we came out, dropped the shackles and got at them more. We were in the game. But we gave ourselves an uphill battle against a Premier League team. We kept going and were excellent second half. We need to be that in our league games now.

"When we got hold of the ball and moved it we got up the pitch well. Unfortunately, we didn't take any chances. We had a fantastic one at 1-0 with Ferguson and a back-stick header. Put that away and you don't know.

"After the game, the noise the fans make and the support they give us, they have been amazing."

On Palace's support and donation for his wife Gemma, who is suffering from a brain tumour, he added: "It has blown me away. I can't thank them enough. We have had a hell of a three years. The support throughout has kept my wife and us all strong. What Palace have done and the support from fans, I haven't looked now but last time I did we've got over a year's supply of medication. It is phenomenal. I can't thank people enough.

"It means everything (to have his family at the game). They have supported through everything the last three years. When I went for the job and she told me to go get it. It felt a positive change. I give everything to make it a success but to see them there at the end meant everything."