Defeat Leaves Hartlepool On The Brink

Just goal difference now separates Hartlepool United and the relegation places after defeat at Preston.

Neale Cooper's Hartlepool United side are now looking over their shoulder after defeat at Preston left them outside the relegation places on goal difference.

Neil Austin returned to the side after missing the game at Bournemouth on Saturday, with Jack Baldwin making way for the right back.

But Pools were facing an uphill struggle after less than half an hour as they fell behind to two quickfire goals.

Simon Walton gave away possession easily outside the area and slack defending allowed Joel Byrom to fire home. That lead was doubled within a minute when more sloppy play gave Stuart Beavon the chance to hit home.

Pools started the second half in much better form but failed to capitalise on their dominance, Andy Monkhouse's effort which blazed over the bar being Pools' best chance.

The game was ended as a contest substitute Jack King headed home before Scott Laird added insult to injury with another header from a set piece before grabbing a fifth goal at the death.

FT: Preston 5 Hartlepool 0

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