HARTLEPOOL UNITED ended their home campaign with a home defeat, going down 2-0 to play-off contenders Portsmouth.

Pools had chances galore to score, but again were left to rue what happened in the final third as they squandered their openings.

They visitors went in front at Victoria Park thanks to a close-range finish from Kal Naismith on 58 minutes, the attacker neatly flicking the ball home from inside the six-yard box to meet a Gareth Evans cut back.

And substitute Conor Chaplin rolled home a low finish from 18 yards across keeper Trevor Carson into the far corner on 86 minutes to secure the win.

Pools, after going one-down, had four good chances to turn the game around.

Goalkeeper Brian Murphy saved well from both Billy Paynter and Rhys Oates, Luke James couldn’t get the ball out of his feet inside the six-yard box before Oates powered a close-range header over the bar.

Pompey were already assured of a play-off spot, but still harboured hopes of going up without the need for the end of season knock-out.

But wins for Accrington, Oxford and Bristol Rovers keeps them out of the top three with one game to go – and in the play-offs they will face Plymouth, who Pools face on Saturday.

Pools boss Craig Hignett said: “Groundhog Day – same last week as this. We created lots of chances, but didn’t put any away. Seven of them second half, three certain goals.

“That’s the difference in this league, final ball, final ball they cross and pick men out and finish – we didn’t.

“They had four chances, scored two, we had seven and none put away. Disappointing. There’s a consistency in our play between both boxes.

“I know what’s missing, we have caused problems and match any team an it’s up to me to find that missing bit. Score goals and you will be up there in the league. It’s alright playing the football and passing the ball, but we need an end product.''