Peterborough United created a hat-full of opportunities in front of goal, but were undone by defensive mistakes as Hartlepool United recorded a 2-1 victory at a sun-drenched London Road.

The home faithful were nearly on their feet within the first few moments of the game as a superb cross from Russell Martin picked out Aaron Mclean, but the striker headed wide of the near post. A snap shot from Argentine winger Sergio Torres flew over the crossbar after excellent approach work from George Boyd, who looked in the mood to show off his array of tricks.

Craig Mackail-Smith had a glorious opportunity to break the deadlock on the quarter hour mark after a sublime through ball from Boyd, but the striker saw his shot well saved from the advancing Lee-Barrett. Mackail-Smith squandered a more difficult chance moments later, heading over a Jamie Day centre from the left.

The visitors looked threatening too, particularly when Joel Porter dropped deeper and Martin had to be alert to head away a Humphreys centre as James Brown closed in. Michael Nelson was afforded a free-header from the resulting corner kick, but saw his weak header cleared by Dean Keates. Boyd dragged a shot wide of the target on 26 minuets after he was cleverly picked out by full-back Martin as Posh responded well.

The lively Mackail-Smith volleyed wide of the near post from a tight angle as the game reached the 30-minute mark. Posh had appeals for a penalty kick turned down after Keates took a tumble following an apparent push from Collins with Torres lashing the loose ball wide of the upright.

Posh had more appeals for a spot-kick turned down on 37 minutes as Day found himself grounded at a deep Martin cross. The referee pointed calmly for a goal-kick. The chances were still being created and it was Mackail-Smith squandering them - this time he missed his kick from three-yards out after a glorious cross from Martin.

Aaron Mclean sent a shot at goal two minutes after the re-start, but his low effort was easily stopped by Lee-Barrett. Some excellent work from Boyd saw him deliver an inch-perfect pass into the path of Day, but his cross was headed wide by Mclean.

Blackett showed superb ability to clear a Sweeney effort off the line after Lewis had struggled under pressure with a high ball, the Posh defender used his chest to stop the fierce shot from nestling in the back of the net.

Leading scorer Brown fizzed a shot wide of the target on 54 minutes as the visitors put together a sustained spell of pressure. Mclean showed excellent close-control to beat three defenders but his low shot was comfortably saved by Lee-Barrett.

However, it was the visitors who opened the scoring as Hyde tried to clear the ball and it fell conveniently for MONKHOUSE who coolly slotted the ball past Lewis. Moments later, the visitors doubled the lead as Morgan and Lewis left it to each other and substitute BARKER toe-ended the ball into the net.

Keates sent a swirling free-kick over the bar on 68 minutes, but the Pool goalkeeper made a fine save. A swerving shot from Boyd was straight at the Pool goalkeeper who was certainly involved in the action.

The deficit was halved on 78 minutes as BOYD was picked out by substitute Whelpdale and he took a touch before firing into the bottom corner, leaving the Hartlepool goalkeeper rooted to the spot.

A long throw from Whelpdale should have provided the equaliser but Mclean shot tamely at the goalkeeper after the defender miss-read the flight of the ball. Whelpdale nearly rounded off an excellent move as the game entered the final four minuets of injury time, but he directed his header straight at the goalkeeper.

Mclean was cautioned for a late challenge on Nelson.

Final Score: Peterborough United 1-2 Hartlepool United

Referee: Mr A R Hall
Attendance: 5,728 (391 Pools fans)