Full-time: Hartlepool United 1 York City 3

HARTLEPOOL UNITED are in dire straits at the foot of the Football League table, losing 3-1 to York City in a game they were in control of. It was also one labelled a six-pointer and one they couldn't afford to lose by boss Paul Murray. 

Pools conceded two goals in two second-half minutes and then a third eight minutes later as the visitors turned around a game in which they were second best.

After a bright start by the Minstermen, Pools took the lead. Scott Fenwick, on his first professional start since moving from Dunston in the Northern League, turned in from close range after being set up by Marlon Harewood.

Fenwick headed over from close range two minutes later and put himself about during a positive performance in the opening half.

And, on the back of the goal, Pools gave a bright and confident display. They were well on top for the rest of the half and have played a lot worse than this during the current campaign.

But at the start of the second period, the visitors pressed. Michael Duckworth cleared off the line seconds after the restart, then goalkeeper Scott Flinders flew across goal to push away a Michael Coulson shot.

From the corner, big defender Keith Lowe jumped unchecked to plant a firm header low across Flinders for the leveller.

City went on the front foot and won an instant corner. They took it short and caught out Michael Duckworth and Jordan Richards, Russell Penn crossed and Lowe escaped his marker Sam Collins to score from close range.

Pools only chance of a leveller came when Marlon Harewood, who gave a lively display, fired weakly at keeper Alex Cisak.

And the Minstermen cut a swathe through Pools on the flank to score a killer third. The ball was played inside the defence for Jake Hyde to clip confidently past Flinders. 

HARTLEPOOL UNITED: Flinders, Duckworth (Jones 79), Harrison, Collins, Austin, Richards (Campbell 67), Walker, Featherstone, Franks, Fenwick, Harewood (Ironside 63). Subs: Maxted, Bates, Woods, Schmeltz.

YORK CITY: Cisak, McCoy, Lowe, Zubar, Ilesanmi; Coulson, Montrose (Summerfield 46), Penn, Carson; Fletcher (Meikle 90), Hyde. Subs: Ingham, McCombe, Halliday, Platt, Jarvis.