Hartlepool United took over at the top of Division Three after edging to an important win against Oxford United at the Kassam Stadium.

The U's have now lost two consecutive home games and manager Ian Atkins will have been unhappy with Gordon Watson's controversial winner after 38 minutes.

The Oxford defence were up in arms after they felt Watson handled the ball before striking it past goalkeeper Andy Woodman from 20 yards.

The home side dominated for long periods but lacked the killer touch in front of goal as Pools hung on for three points.

Oxford Utd: Woodman, McNiven, Crosby, Bound, Robinson, Savage, Hunt, Ford, Scott, Basham, Oldfield. Subs: Ricketts, Omoyimni, Whitehead, Hackett, Waterman.

Hartlepool: Anthony Williams, Barron, Westwood, Lee, Robinson, Clarke, Tinkler, Humphreys, Smith, Eifion Williams, Watson. Subs: Provett, Arnison, Henderson, Widdrington, Boyd.

Referee: P Armstrong (Berkshire)