Hartlepool United brought their National League Cup campaign to a close with a 3-1 victory over Leeds United Under-21s in sub-zero temperatures at Victoria Park.

Two goals from Terry Bondo and one from Chris Popov gave Pools a commanding three-goal advantage before substitute Ditmir Hodja pulled one back for the visitors.

Pools dominated the early exchanges and took the lead from the penalty spot after Popov beat his man and was brought down in the area – Bondo converted the resulting spot-kick emphatically.

The hosts doubled their advantage within minutes. Following neat build-up play from Charlie Penman and Neo Eccleston, Popov stroked his effort beneath Rory Mahardy.

Nathan Fisher preserved Pools’ two-goal cushion with an impressive save to deny Jacob Render when the Leeds forward was through on goal.

As half-time approached, Wild’s side came close to a third, but Jack Nolan’s curling effort from the edge of the box was tipped behind for a corner.

After a quiet start to the second half, Pools deservedly added their third when Bondo reacted quickest to turn Popov’s cross over the line following a brilliant ball over the top from Jacob Penprase.

The visitors responded five minutes later, with Hodja left unmarked six yards out to direct his effort past Fisher.

Pools pushed for a fourth and came within inches when Charlie Smith raced clear, but Mahardy made the save, and Bondo blazed the rebound over the bar.

HUFC XI | Fisher, Hunter (c), Hugill (Ilunga 63’), Eccleston, Penman, Nolan (C. Smith 63’), Popov (Foreman 83’), Penprase, Gibson, Bondo, Lavelle (Kouogun 46’) (Gilbraith 79’)

Subs not used | Merrick, Clark.