Speaking after his side slipped to a third defeat in four league outings, Taylor admitted his team didn't deserve to take anything from the game, and have a busy week of training ahead.
Goals from Tyler Burey and former Walsall midfielder Nicky Featherstone were enough to condemn the Saddlers to defeat, with the Reds only securing one point so far this season.
Taylor, who has already confirmed his desire to add to his squad, admitted he was surprised by the manner of defeat as, despite securing more than 60 per-cent of the ball, his team had no answer for their hosts during another afternoon to forget for the travelling faithful.
Speaking to the assembled media, Matthew said; "We didn't deserve anything from the game. We didn't compete and earn the right in any way, shape or form to win a game of football.
Taylor, who has already confirmed his desire to add to his squad, admitted he was surprised by the manner of defeat as, despite securing more than 60 per-cent of the ball, his team had no answer for their hosts during another afternoon to forget for the travelling faithful.
Speaking to the assembled media, Matthew said; "We didn't deserve anything from the game. We didn't compete and earn the right in any way, shape or form to win a game of football.
"We didn't win enough second balls and weren't competitive on the pitch. I'm quite surprised, to be brutally honest.
"It's difficult when emotions are so raw so quickly after a match. I'll take mistakes, no problem. But what I can't go with is not competing on a football pitch.
"If you don't do that, you're never going to achieve anything at any level of football. We have to decipher the performance, go through it, and try to learn from it. I'm really disappointed with what I saw."
As with many of their recent outings, the Saddlers started the game well and created a few openings before retreating into their own half for much of the match as Hartlepool took the game to them in front of 4,677 fans at Victoria Park.
The gaffer went on to talk about his team's inability to impose themselves upon their opponents, before admitting his players need to take something from the hurt they are feeling.
Matthew continued; "We weren't able to implement our game style as the opposition were aggressive – far more aggressive than we were with the way that they pressed.
As with many of their recent outings, the Saddlers started the game well and created a few openings before retreating into their own half for much of the match as Hartlepool took the game to them in front of 4,677 fans at Victoria Park.
The gaffer went on to talk about his team's inability to impose themselves upon their opponents, before admitting his players need to take something from the hurt they are feeling.
Matthew continued; "We weren't able to implement our game style as the opposition were aggressive – far more aggressive than we were with the way that they pressed.
"Then you're asking for a different type of bravery, to make good decisions on the ball. It's understanding the right time to play a longer pass and clear your lines, rather than continuing to play short passes which get cut out.
"We didn't make anywhere near enough good decisions on the ball, all over the pitch. Every time the ball was loose for a 50/50, we probably didn't come out on top. I expect the players to be hurting, and I want that feeling to last."
Walsall are without a midweek game for the first time this season and will make use of the training time as they get ready to take on Stevenage at the Banks's next weekend.
Matthew Taylor went on to admit his team have plenty of work ahead as they look to avoid a repeat of last season's 19th placed finish, the worst in over a century for the club.
Taylor added; "I'm devastated we lost as I thought we had the opportunity to pick up a positive result.
Walsall are without a midweek game for the first time this season and will make use of the training time as they get ready to take on Stevenage at the Banks's next weekend.
Matthew Taylor went on to admit his team have plenty of work ahead as they look to avoid a repeat of last season's 19th placed finish, the worst in over a century for the club.
Taylor added; "I'm devastated we lost as I thought we had the opportunity to pick up a positive result.
"We've got lots to work on now. It's one that has to hurt the players. It's not good enough."