HARTLEPOOL UNITED fell to their eighth home loss of the season – the same amount they have won – as they went down to Leeds United.

Jermaine Beckford's 33rd goal of the season proved the difference in a game of few chances and little penalty area action.

Taking Ben Parker's pass into his feet, Beckford turned and rolled the ball low across Pool goalkeeper Jan Budtz.

Carlisle's 1-1 draw at Cheltenham means Pools are three points above the drop zone with one game remaining – and with a better goal difference of five, Pools are as good as secure in League One for next season.

Next weekend, Pools go to Bristol Rovers, as Carlisle host Millwall.

In what was Joel Porter's final home game at Victoria Park, the Aussie never had a chance to add to his 23 goals for the season and hobbled off with a hamstring injury at the end.

Leeds twice hit the woodwork in the first half, through a firece Bradley Johnson free-kick and then from a Sam Sodje header when the centre half met a left-wing corner.

The play-off bound visitors also had a Beckford shot cleared off the line by defender Joe Scarz.

The closest Pool came to a goal was when a mazy run in the area by Daniel Nardiello ended in a weak shot straight at keeper Casper Ankergren.