United undone a Victoria Park
SCOTT Harrison's 67th minute strike was enough to secure three points for Hartlepool against United at Victoria Park this afternoon.
Tom Elliott had an early chance for United, but he couldn't quite connect with the ball after good work from Matt Harrold in the build up. Pools then had a decent spell of pressure with three corners in quick succession before the U's cleared the danger.
The deadlock was broken on 20 minutes when Jonathan Franks' corner caused confusion in the U's box and Brad Walker was on hand to nod the hosts in front.
Liam Hughes almost leveled matters minutes later, his drilled effort striking the post on 24. Parity was restored on 34 minutes, Matt Harrold opened his U's account with a fine close range finish following Hughes' throw-in.
United began to search for their second and almost found it through Josh Coulson on 40 minutes, however Scott Flinders was there to get a strong hand to his effort.
Pools almost regained the lead on the stroke of half-time, Jordan Hugill firing inches over Dunn's goal in added time at the end of the first-half.
HT: Hartlepool 1-1 U's
Hartlepool began the second-half on top of proceedings before Ryan Donaldson forced Flinders into a comfortable stop on 50 minutes. Both sides created few chances before Harrison gave Pools the lead on 67. Franks' corner was cleared to Harrison on the edge of the box and he drilled the ball past Chris Dunn and into the back of the net.
The introduction of Jordan Slew and Sullay Kaikai gave United more options going forward and Slew forced Flinders into another good stop on 84 minutes.
United however couldn't find a way through, with Flinders claiming two late U's corners and Donaldson firing over the bar at the death.
FT: Hartlepool 2-1 U's
TEAM: Dunn, Tait (Simpson 67), Coulson, Miller, Dunk, Champion, Hughes, Hunt (Kaikai 76), Donaldson, Harrold (Slew 76), Elliott
Not Used: Norris, Nelson, Lanzoni, Morrissey.
ATT: 5,009 (269)