Gordon Watson turned in a storming display to keep Hartlepool's play-off hopes alive with a 2-0 win at relegated Halifax.

Former Bradford striker Watson smashed home his side's first goal in the ninth minute for his 16th of the season.

Halifax played like a side with nothing to play for and could have been sunk without trace by the interval.

Watson squandered three more chances while strike partner Eifion Williams also went close twice.

Paul Harsley clipped the crossbar with a rare Halifax effort before Hartlepool defender Graeme Lee headed home from a corner to seal it.

Halifax: Richardson, Swales, Mitchell, Woodward, Heinemann, Bushell, Redfearn, Harsley, Fitzpatrick, Midgley, Farrell. Subs: Crookes, Jules, Smith, Middleton, Clarke.

Hartlepool: Anthony Williams, Robinson, Westwood, Lee, Barron, Smith, Humphreys, Clarke, Coppinger, Watson, Eifion Williams. Subs: Hollund, Arnison, Boyd, Stephenson, Henderson.

Referee: A Bates (Stoke on Trent).