Addicks striker Bradley Wright-Phillips' chip struck the crossbar in the seventh minute and Hartlepool defender Sam Collins followed suit early in the second half before Federico Bessone's blockbuster cannoned back off the woodwork with 11 minutes left.
Powell said: "It would have been great if Bradley Wright-Phillips would have been able to finish it. Obviously he hit the bar but I was just willing the boys to get a good result just to round off the season.
"It obviously hasn't gone the way we would have wanted. It wasn't for a want of trying. Federico Bessone hit a rocket shot, which the keeper touched onto the bar, it would have just been a great way to round it off because we know exactly what has happened this season."
Powell spared a thought for Addicks defender Jon Fortune, stretchered off in the 29th minute after landing awkwardly while challenging for a header.
Powell added: "It didn't look good to be honest with you. He suffered a similar injury before on his other leg, but he has gone for a scan and I'm just hopeful it isn't as serious as we all think."
Source: PA
Source: PA