Leeds United 4, Hartlepool United 1

4:56pm Saturday 22nd November 2008

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HARTLEPOOL United fell to a third successive defeat in League One, as Leeds United proved too strong at Elland Road.

Pools had their share of chances and caused problems for the home side, but they fell short and, alarmingly, conceded three goals once again this season.

Keeper Arran Lee-Barrett made a low stop from the advancing Jermaine Beckford, and Kevin Kyle blasted a volley wide, before the Leeds striker opened the scoring.

A pacy right sided cross from Andrew Hughes saw the front man get ahead of Sam Collins to flash a header across goal into the net.

Pools then came into the game, creating chances and Joel Porter and James Brown had chances blocked wide before the Aussie put Pools level.

A long throw wasn't cleared and Porter hooked in from close range.

They went close to going in front when Porter's volley, after exchanging passes with Kyle, dipped in front of keeper David Lucas.

But attacking Leeds' strength came to the fore and. After Luciano Becchio followed up an effort which was cleared off the line by blazing over the bar, Fabian Delph, a target for both Middlesbrough and Newcastle, made his way across the defence and show low into the net.

And striker Becchio made it three in similar style, turning the ball home after the visiting defence parted to allow him a clear run on goal.

In injury time, Beckford was granted more freedom to complete a comprehensive home victory.

LEEDS UNITED: Lucas; Douglas, Michalik, Prutton, Delph, Robinson, Parker, Hughes, Telfer, Beckford, Becchio (Snodgrass 76).Subs (not used): Ankergren (gk), Richardson, Kilkenny, Howson,.

HARTLEPOOL UNITED: Lee-Barrett; Sweeney, Nelson, Collins (Humphreys 85), Robson; Brown, Jones, Clark, Monkhouse (Liddle 85); Kyle, Porter. Subs (not used): Budtz (gk), Foley, Mackay.

Referee: Graham Salisbury (Preston)