HARTLEPOOL UNITED suffered defeat at Victoria Park to new League Two leaders Oxford United. 

In a game played at full pace from start to finish, the Us sneaked it thanks to substitute Danny Hylton.

But they were made to work hard to extend their impressive run to just one defeat in 17 games.

Pools’ midfielder Jake Gray struck the bar with a fine piece of skill, chesting the ball down and hooking a 20-yard volley against the bar with keper Benjamin Buchel beaten.

And Gray should have had a penalty when he was shoved over in the area by centre-half Jonny Mullins, only for referee Seb Stockbridge to ignore the claim.

Trevor Carson, the home keeper, saved well at his near post from John Lundstram, but Pools should have gone in front on 56 minutes.

Striker Mikael Mandon, on loan from Sunderland, was played in on goal, but with plenty of time to pick his spot could only find the legs of keeper Buchel.

And the Us soon went ahead on 71 minutes.

From a Pools corner, Alex MacDonald tore away on the right flank and his cross was perfect for the on-rushing Mullins to volley in.

Pools lost midfielder Carl Magnay to injury - he was suffering from blurred vision and Moore said: “It’s a hard one to take. It was self-destruct.

"First-half was as good as good as it’s been since I’ve been here, we moved it out at the back, pl,ayed it quickly and all that was missing was a goal.

“We had half-chances and another day it goes in, but against top of the League then one lapse and it costs you.

“It comes from our corner, too easily, put the winger down the line and don’t let him inside and cross and put it where he wants to and Hylton isn’t going to miss from there.''