BRAD WALKER netted a late winner to secure Hartlepool United’s first win in six games.

After three successive League Two victories at the start of the season, Pools lost four in a row before last weekend’s draw with Cambridge.

But Walker, on as an 80th minute substitute, netted the winning goal five minutes later.

After a drab and uninspiring opening half,  Pools took the lead on 32 minutes.

Billy Paynter was fouled on the right touchline, Jake Carroll took the free-kick and floated it into the danger area.

Keeper Artur Krysiak was beaten – Scott Fenwick claimed a touch, defender Andrew Boyce likewise but referee Fred Graham putting Carroll down as the scorer.

The lead only lasted five minutes, however.

Pools allowed a cross to come in from the left, and Ryan Bird, who spent a month on loan at Pools last season, touched in from close range.

The second-half was marginally better than the first. Pools didn’t play well,  and the Glovers didn’t test Pools keeper Adam Bartlett.

And the winning goal came when Paynter took possession on the right side, and passed to the advancing Nicky Featherstone. He picked out substitute Kudos Oynenuga, whose shot was wayward and drifting wide but fell for Walker to tap in from close range.

YEOVIL TOWN: Krysiak; Roberts, Arthurworry, Sokliok, Smith; Cornick, Dolan, Sheehan, Howells (Beck 85); Bird, Bassett (Allen 71). Subs: Weale (gk), Gibbons, Fogden, Melanson.

HARTLEPOOL UNITED: Bartlett; Halliday, Harrison, Boyce, Carroll; Featherstone, Bates, Woods (Walker 80); Oates (Smith 90), Paynter, Fenwick (Oyenuga 65). Subs: Hawkins, Jones, Nearney, Denton.

Referee: Fred Graham (Stanford-le-Hope)