Jay Simpson's first-half goal gave Millwall's survival chances a huge lift as they held on to win at Hartlepool.

The goal came when he was left unmarked to turn in Jem Karacan's pass from six yards, and he soon had a chance for 2-0 but shot straight at the keeper.

The home side's Andy Monkhouse had a goal disallowed for offside before David Martin hit the bar from 20 yards.

Hartlepool's Joel Porter and Antony Sweeney wasted second-half chances as the Lions did enough to earn the win.

Hartlepool: Lee-Barrett, McCunnie, Clark, Nelson, Elliott (Humphreys 46), Sweeney, Boland, Monkhouse, Robson (Foley 63), Brown (Mackay 71), Porter. Subs Not Used: Budtz, Antwi.

Millwall: Evans, Craig, Senda, Robinson, Martin (Smith 58), Bignot, Karacan, Simpson, Fuseini, Laird (Brkovic 85), Savage. Subs Not Used: Edwards, Harris, Shaw.

Goals: Simpson 11.

Att: 4,077

Ref: Rob Shoebridge (Derbyshire).