HARTLEPOOL UNITED have won only once in 11 games, after they lost 2-1 at Northampton Town.

Pools were two behind after 20 minutes in a shambolic defensive opening, but recovered and stayed in the game and, while they never threatened an equaliser, the Cobblers were happy to see the game out.

After Marc Richards put a header wide after only 35 seconds, Pools trailed when the Cobblers striker tapped in from close range after Nicky Adams broke down the left, played onside by Andrew Boyce and crossed.

Rhys Oates had a low shot saved well by keeper Adam Smith and from the corner, Boyce planted a free header over the bar from six yards.

Two minutes later, home defender Ryan Cresswell did the same as Boyce.

And on 20 minutes, Pools were two down, as a corner from the left by Adams curled straight into the net.

Pools, watched from the director’s box by new honorary president Jeff Stelling, had a chance to get one back, but Rakish Bingham’s shot was saved, but the striker soon netted.

With the home defence being split by a Billy Paynter through ball, Bingham rounded the advancing goalkeeper and rolled the ball into the empty net from an angle.

Pools, to their credit, were back in the game – but they lacked second-half guile to create any openings for a leveller.

The Cobblers missed a sitter, as Richards pushed wide from close range in front of an open goal, but Pools were unable to force a leveller.

Defeat means Pools have not won at Northampton since 1969.

NORTHAMPTON TOWN: Smith; Furlong, Cresswell, Brisley, Buchanan; Hackett (D’Ath 68), O’Toole, Byrom, Adams (Taylor 90); Richards, Hoskins (Calvert-Lewin 75). Subs: Diamond, Lelan, Watson, Clarke.

HARTLEPOOL UNITED: Bartlett; Halliday, Boyce, Harrison, Carroll; Smith, Woods (Walker 75), Featherstone, Oates (Oyenuga 67); Paynter (Fenwick 90), Bingham. Subs: Carson (gk), Bates, Hawkins, Jones.