Hartlepool United fell to defeat at Swindon’s County Ground after strikes from Jonny Williams, Tyreece Simpson, and Jack Payne. A goal from Maty Daly saw Pools briefly draw level after Williams’ strike.
A cagey opening to the first half saw both sides trying to get on the ball, with Mark Cullen looking to get in behind the Swindon defence. It was the in-form striker who thought he had the opener too - after the hosts’ keeper dropped Daly’s strike, Cullen poked the ball home. A late, late flag from the official saw the goal ruled out, though. A goalless first half came to an end after Molyneux stung the palms of Wollacott.
Both sides started the second half well, but it was the hosts that struck first. Simpson chased a ball to the byline, pulling the ball back for Williams to head beyond Killip.
An almost-instant response came just minutes later. Good play from Pools saw the ball pulled back to Daly who fired in the equaliser.
A flurry of chances saw Ferguson and Olomola have shots blocked, but it was Swindon who got the next goal.
Persistence from Simpson saw him outmuscle Liddle and Byrne, keeping hold of the ball and smashing beyond Killip.
Fondop’ edge-of-the-box volley was as close as Pools came to an equaliser, and Swindon put the final nail in the coffin as Payne carried the ball through the Pools half and fired home.
HARTLEPOOL UNITED - Killip; Ogle, Byrne, Liddle, Francis-Angol (Gavin Holohan 76), Ferguson, Featherstone, Crawford, Daly (Mike Fondop 76), Molyneux, Cullen (Olufela Olomola 66).
SUBS NOT USED - Mitchell, Hendrie, Shelton. Grey.
SCORERS - Matty Daly (60).
REFEREE - Lee Swabey
Attendance - 7,714 (75 Away Fans).