Hartlepool United were held to a 0-0 draw by Brackley Town at St James Park as Pools miss the chance to enter the Enterprise National League play-offs
Pools saw two second-half goals chalked off by the linesman, with neither side able to break the deadlock.
Nicky Featherstone opted for an unchanged side from the two victories against Altrincham and Gateshead during the week.
Brackley had the first threatening chance after seven minutes, as Danny Newton’s header struck off the crossbar.
Alex Reid was the centre of most of Pools’ chances in the first half, seeing a strike zip across the face of goal in the 33rd minute.
The forward came close again five minutes later, latching onto a over the top ball only to be denied by Cameron Gregory in the Saints net.
Adam Campbell’s strike from distance had too much venom to remain on target, but the last chance Pools would have on goal in the opening 45 minutes.
It was a similar story in the second half, as both sides failed to capitalise on attacking moves.
Nick Hayes was called into rare action ten minutes into the half, blocking the header of Byron Pendleton, then the following shot of Ben Wodskou.
Campbell’s free-kick from outside the box required a big save from Gregory on the hour mark, the best chance Pools had up to that moment.
The visitors would see the ball in the back of the net twice in quick succession following the set-piece, both ruled off by the assistant referee.
Max Kouogun headed home from close range, then Luke Charman poked the ball past Gregory 90 seconds later, however neither would stand.
Neither side would come as close to scoring after the two disallowed efforts, as the second half drew to a close without many threats.
Hayes produced a big stop deep into stoppage time as Brackley had one last chance in a scramble, but the Pools goalkeeper kept them at bay.
Pools: Hayes, Benn, Parkes ©, Kouogun, McNally, Campbell (Daly 72′), Charman (Brown 83′), Sheron, Hunter (Ferguson 87′), Miley (Folarin 72′), Reid (Johnson 87′)
Unused subs: Smith, Nathaniel-George
