HARTLEPOOL UNITED lost 1-0 at Yeovil, a result that leaves them 11 points shy of safety in League One.
A seventh minute goal from Joe Edwards proved the difference, in a game which Pools dominated the second period.
In what was likely to be Micky Barron’s last game in charge, the caretaker boss was disappointed at the manner the goal was conceded.
Sam Foley was given far too much time to cross from the left side and Edwards poked in at the near post.
Conceding so early and Barron feared the worst. But the first half was a flat affair, with neither side creating much.
Pools were flat and quiet, with the Glovers not pressing home their advantage.
And the second-half was a different story, as Pools pressed for a deserved leveller.
Peter Hartley hacked wide, Sam Collins missed a chance from close range, James Poole’s shot from distance was tipped over and Antony Sweeney planted a free header at the keeper from six yards.
Howard also had firm a penalty appeal turned down by referee Tom Robinson.
But it’s now 15 games without a win for Pools. Final interviews will take place for the vacant managers job in the early part of next week, with an appointment to follow.
YEOVIL: Stech; Ayling, Burn, Webster, McAllister; Edwards, Smith, Johnson, Foley (Reid 78); Hayter (Marsh Brown 64), Madden. Subs: Hinds, Williams, Stewart, Haynes Brown.
HARTLEPOOL: Flinders; Richards, Collins, Hartley, Austin; Franks (Wyke 82), Murray (Luscombe 86), Sweeney, Walton, Poole; Howard. Subs: Humphreys, Horwood, Baldwin, Holden, McHugh.
Referee: Tim Robinson (Bognor Regis)