HARTLEPOOL United dropped home points for the second home game in succession as they were beaten at home by a resolute Walsall side.

After seeing off leaders Orient the week before, Pools were unable to match that performance and, just like the previous home encounter with Swindon, were left to rue a frustrating 90 minutes.

But while they saved a point last time out, there was no such outcome on this occasion.

With the game coming to a close, substitute Paul Hall got goal side of Godwin Antwi and rifled a low drive beyond Jan Budtz into the net.

Pools had plenty of play throughout, but couldn't find a way through a defence well marshalled by Scott Dann.

Visiting keeper Clayton Ince made his share of saves, but was rarely overstretched.

His best save came from a second-half Richard Barker header, which looked destined for the corner of the net before he dived across goal to keep it out.

Minutes before the decisive goal, Budtz had made a fine reaction stop to keep out a close range Tommy Mooney header.

Joel Porter started in place of the injured Ian Moore, but missed two good chances in the second period to put his side in front.

But Pools were left frustrated and ultimately stunned by Hall's late, confident finish.

Moore was absent after being involved in a car crash on Friday. A Transit van bumped Moore's car from behind and the stiker suffered minor neck and back injuries.

He may be fit to face Carlisle on Tuesday.

HARTLEPOOL UNITED: Jan Budtz, Jamie McCunnie, Micky Nelson, Godwin Antwi, Ritchie Humphreys, James Brown, Willie Boland, Gary Liddle, Andy Monkhouse, Joel Porter, Richard Barker. Subs: Arran Lee-Barrett, Robbie Elliott, Michael Mackay, Antony Sweeney, Ben Clark.

WALSALL: Clayton Ince, Daniel Fox, Anthony Gerrard, Darren Wrack, Michael Dobson, Ishmel Demontagnac, Scott Dann, Troy Deeney, Edrissa Sonko, Dwayne Mattis. Subs: Rhys Weston, Paul Hall, Bertrand Bossu, Mark Bradley, David McDermott.

Referee: Graham Salisbury (Preston)

Watch the match highlights from Monday, October 1