Brackley were forced to make do with a point as National League rivals Hartlepool extended their unbeaten run under new owner Landon Smith with a hard-fought draw on the road.

The visitors enjoyed a sixth-minute escape when Danny Newton crashed a header against the crossbar before fellow striker Ben Wodskou directed the rebound straight into the waiting arms of keeper Nick Hayes.

However, it was the north-east club who finished the first half the stronger with Alex Reid heading wide before forcing a save from keeper Cameron Gregory and Adam Campbell and Luke Charman also taking aim.

Jack Hunter cleared Newton's 51st-minute attempt off the line and Hayes saved from Byron Pendleton as the home side pressed, but Gregory had to keep out Campbell's free-kick and Reid and Charman both saw goals ruled out for offside with Pool responding.

Newton could have won it deep into stoppage time, but was denied amid a scramble as the visitors left with something to show for their efforts.

Report by PA Media