HARTLEPOOL UNITED slumped to another home defeat, their sixth of a desperate campaign, losing 3-1 at Victoria Park for the second successive week.

Seven days after York City triumphed, this time it was the turn of League Two leaders Wycombe to roll Pools over.

And Pools remain rooted to the bottom of the table, six points from safety with a goal difference far worse than any others at the bottom.

Paul Murray is still waiting for his first Football League win as Pools boss, and his players are desperately short of confidence.

There was little between the sides until the Chairboys got two quick second-half goals.

But the visitors did take the lead when Paul Hayes crossed from the right side and Paris Cowan-Hall jumped between defenders to powerfully head past Scott Flinders.

Just before half-time, Pools passed up a glorious chance to level. Marlon Harewood was needlessly fouled in the area.

Neil Austin took the penalty, but sent it high over the bar. Any hopes of a half-time lift were soon gone.

There was little of note in the second period, before the two goals from the visitors.

First up, Jon Franks lost possession deep in the Chairboys half, right-baack Sido Jombati counter-attacked, the Pools defence were caught out, Franks got back to failed to clear with any conviction and the ball fell for Hayes to tee up Matt Bloomfield.

The second soon arrived, when Joe Jacobson’s deep corner was met by Alfie Mawson who planted his header back across goal and into the net with the defenders caught flatfooted.

Pools got one back, but Harewood’s finish on 83 minutes counted for little.