FIVE points clear at the top, five wins in a row, Hartlepool United gave a five-star show at Macclesfield last night.

Eifion Williams' 14th of the season was enough for the points and Pool's third 1-0 win at Moss Rose in as many years; the only sticking point was how it wasn't more.

Because in the first-half Pool toyed with their opposition, passing the ball around at will and cutting through their opponents with ease.

That it wasn't two was down to a pack of missed chances and a second-half refereeing decision which defied belief. Graeme Lee's header appeared well over the line, but Steve Hitchin cleared and both referee Mick Fletcher and his assistant played on.

And from then on, the officials gave a masterclass in incompetence which fitted in nicely with their 56th minute decision.

Only four minutes into a first-half of utter dominance and Eifion Williams had a cracking chance to put Pool in front. He robbed full-back Steve Hitchin and only a smothering save from keeper Steve Wilson kept the score blank.

Pool started brightly, fizzing the ball around on the saturated surface and never allowing their opponents time to settle on the ball.

And they should have been in front on 15 minutes. Mark Tinkler threaded the ball through for Darrell Clarke, but instead of shooting he opted to square for Eifion Williams and Darren Tinson intercepted.

Just 60 seconds later, however, and the leading scorer bagged his 14th of the season. Tinkler was again the architect, bursting from midfield and rifling in a shot which Wilson could only push towards the onrushing Williams, who slid in to net.

The goal was just reward for Pool's early dominance as they passed their opponents to death in the opening half on a flat and fast pitch. Pool's midfield dominated proceedings, with Humphreys, outstanding at the weekend, giving Hitchin a torrid time on the flank.

Lee showed why he was back in the side in place of Jon Bass when he flung his body in the path of a 25-yard Kyle Lightbourne drive.

Humphreys picked the ball up from Anthony Williams and after charging 60 yards he ended up feeding Clarke, whose delicate chip landed on the roof of the net.

When Macclesfield did have possession, Pool were hungry to win it back, chasing every ball and never allowing the opposition a moment's peace. They were a class apart.

Pool's only worry was that their dominance had only brought one goal. They were robbed of a second on 56 minutes. Lee's thumping header beat keeper Wilson and came back out after hitting the stantion of the goal and some assistance from Hitchin - but amazingly referee Fletcher and his assistant Mr Shaw failed to give it.

The Pool players were furious and boss Newell was shepherded away from joining in the protests.

The incident was the turning point for the referee because from then on he lost the plot, bemusing both sides in equal measure.

Macclesfield started to up the pressure on Pool. But Williams was equal to the Silkmen's only effort on target from Lightbourne

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