91�ȱ�

Hartlepool closed the gap on the League Two play-off places with victory over bottom side Northampton.

The visitors went close early on as Luke Norris saw a headed effort bounce off the inside of the post.

Hartlepool went ahead when Luke James controlled a pass from Matty Dolan before finishing beyond Matt Duke.

The advantage was doubled after James Poole was bundled over in the box by Mathias Doumbe and Simon Walton coolly sent Duke the wrong way from the spot.

VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM

Hartlepool manager Colin Cooper told 91�ȱ� Tees:

"I don't think anyone could argue we deserved to win that game.

"We dug in early on and earned the right to play by standing up to a big, strong team.

"That's the most pleasing thing for me. Teams are going to test whether we've got the resolve and we showed we have.

"I really am delighted to keep a clean sheet against Northampton because there was always going to be a lot of balls coming into our box."

Northampton manager Aidy Boothroyd told 91�ȱ� Radio Northampton:

"We started really well and in the second half we had a real go at them, but it wasn't enough for me. We got what we deserved.

"It's about consistency. We looked a very good team last week but you've got to come to places like this and dig out results.

"Unfortunately, we had too many players not at the same levels they were a week ago.

"The players are giving their all but lads like Darren Carter and Ishmel Demontagnac come back into contention for Chesterfield."