Hartlepool's League One status is not yet secure after falling to a narrow defeat by play-off bound Leeds.

Jermaine Beckford scored his 32nd goal of the season after an hour, turning well on Ben Parker's cross before slotting home into the bottom corner.

The goal was deserved after Bradley Johnson hit the bar with a powerful free-kick and Sam Sodje found the angle of the bar and post with a header.

Pools had limited chances, Joel Porter forcing a save from Casper Ankergren.

Hartlepool: Budtz, Liddle, Nelson (Robson 90), Collins, Skarz, Jones (Humphreys 72), Clark, Sweeney, Monkhouse, Porter (Mackay 90), Nardiello.
Subs Not Used: Lee-Barrett, Parker.

Booked: Collins, Jones.

Leeds: Ankergren, Douglas, Sodje, Naylor, Parker, Robinson (Hughes 80), Kilkenny (Dickinson 85), Howson, Johnson, Beckford (Grella 80), Becchio. Subs Not Used: Lucas, Marques.

Booked: Robinson.

Goals: Beckford 60.

Att: 6,402.

Ref: Colin Webster (Tyne & Wear).

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