A POINT against York last night means Hartlepool United are six points clear in Division Three.

But forget talk of advantages, promotion or success, the only question on everyone's lips last night was that of Chris Turner's future.

Among the favourites for the vacant job at Sheffield Wednesday, Victoria Park was rife with rumours of Turner's future, with a move to Hillsborough in the middle of next week the most popular.

There's been no official approach yet, that may come in the next few days, and the crowd came out in force to show their support - 5,789 gave Pool their second biggest home gate of the season, and a gate almost 2,000 up on Tuesday night's effort.

And the Town End were quick to sing Turner's praises, letting their manager know in no uncertain terms where they believe his future lies.

Whatever today's results in Division Three, Pool's lead can only be reduced to three points at worst. but supporters now face an anxious few days.

Pool gave a strangley disjointed show last night, only taking the game to York as the encounter neared its end, but they were up against a Minstermen defence which stood firm.

Five minutes in and Pool could easily have been looking forward to a game agaisnt ten men. Jon Parkin hauled down Marcus Richardson as the big striker steamed in on goal, but referee Scott Mathieson offered a yellow card to the one-time Victoria Park loanee, and to Pool a free-kick which came to nothing.

Mathieson's leniency was again called into question before 15 minutes were up. York keeper Alan Fettis grabbed Robinson's long ball outside his area, but - perhaps allowing for the appalling conditions as the rain lashed down - the keeper went unpunished. And just like last time the ensuing free-kick offered no pain to York either.

But opposite number Williams was the first keeper to warm his hands as he dived full-stretch to push out Lee Nogan's low effort on the half hour.

Mark Tinkler should have put Pool in front seconds later when he turned Darrell Clarke's low cross at goal, but it was too close to Fettis who collected.

Perhaps the York keeper should be putting Mathieson on his Christmas card list.

As Eifion Williams closed in on goal he raced out of area and clattered the Pool striker. Only a yellow card came and the keeper stayed when, taking his earlier indiscretion into account, he could easily have been seeing red.

The lights went out at half-time, as the ground was plunged into darkness.

After a five minute delay they were back on, but Smith left Pool in the dark a minute later. He got into space behind the defence but instead of going for goal tried to find a teammate in the area and gave away possession.

Michael Reddy, on loan from Sunderland, replaced Nogan and the nippy striker was soon causing problems for the Pool back line.

And Pool were saved by the assistant referee's flag when Peter Duffield turned the ball in from 12 yards and his celebrations were cut short.

Pool were looking second-best as York took hold of the game, and with the expectant home crowd becoming agitated how they needed a settling influence.

It nearly came when Smith poked a shot across goal after Clarke played him in, but that was Clarke's last touch as he was replaced by Steven Istead.

The 16-year-old made a big impression in a short space of time against Bristol Rovers in midweek and Turner was hoping his lightning pace would open up the visiting defence. But without a striker on the bench, Turner's options were severely limited.

Richardson saw a header hacked away by Parkin and Fettis thumped away a Smith free-kick with his fist.

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