HARTLEPOOL United's hopes of a place in the third round of the FA Cup were sharply ended at Macclesfield.

After taking the lead through a Colin Miles own goal - the defender turning an Ali Gibb cross into his own net - they were reduced to ten men and never recovered from the blow.

Antony Sweeney, on his return to action after injury, was ruled to have kept out a goalbound shot with his hands and was sent off by referee Clive Penton.

Pools and manager Danny Wilson were furious with the decision and Macclesfield levelled from the spot with the resulting penalty.

Early in the second half, John Murphy headed in past Dimi Konstantopoulos to give the home side an advantage they never squandered.

Pools didn't create enough chances or openings as the game went on, as Macclesfield won only their second game of the season.

HARTLEPOOL UNITED: Dimi Konstantopoulos; Micky Barron, Micky Nelson, Ben Clark, Ritchie Humphreys; Ali Gibb, Willie Boland, Lee Bullock, Antony Sweeney; Eifion Williams, Jon Daly.

Subs: Matty Robson, Mark Tinkler, Gavin Strachan, Michael Maidens, Jim Provett.

MACCLESFIELD TOWN: Asmir Begovic; Carl Regan, Danny Swales, Rob Scott, Jimmy McIntyre; Martin Bullock, Alan Navarro, Jordan Hadfield, Jamie Tolley, Matty McNeil, John Murphy.

Subs: Colin Heath, John Miles, Andrew Smart, Izak Reid, James Jennings.