HARTLEPOOL UNITED are on the brink of suffering relegation to the National League after crashing to a 2-0 defeat at the hands of rivals Crawley Town.

Pools now trail Crawley by six points with six to play for and have a worse goal difference of six. As a result, they are almost certain to find themselves out of the Football League next season.

Dom Telford was the saviour for Crawley this afternoon, with his double at the Suit Direct Stadium securing only their second away win of the season.

A buoyant and expectant home crowd saw their side be second best as Scott Lindsey’s team were better tactically throughout.

After a couple of half chances at either end, Telford opened the scoring five minutes before half-time.

A cross from the left flew across the six-yard box and the striker was on hand to turn in his 13th of the season.

Pools could have levelled on half-time, but Callum Cooke woefully pulled his shot wide.

They did start the second half with intent and created some good openings.

Cooke volleyed wide, then a goalbound Jamie Sterry shot was deflected but goalkeeper Corey Addai reacted to push it wide.

But Telford clinched victory – and surely safety – in the 66th minute, latching on to a giant kick from keeper Addai to touch home deftly.