HARTLEPOOL UNITED took a point from their home game with Tranmere – and were made to work hard for it.

A strong defensive display was the order of the day for Pools as they were on the back foot for the majority of the game, without creating much at the other end.

Following last weekend’s 2-0 home win over Shrewsbury, it’s four points and two clean sheets from back to back games at Victoria Park.

And now they have a long week on the road to come with hauls to Northampton on Tuesday and Plymouth on Saturday.

Rovers created all the openings, their first arrived when Cole Stockton latched onto a short back pass from Jordan Richards and his finish was kept out by advancing goalkeeper Scott Flinders.

Stockton then sent a header at the keeper from close range, after meeting Abdulai Baggie’s cross.

Pools failed to make much impression going forward as their forwards, Charlie Wyke and Jon Franks were given little change from the visiting defenders.

Matt Hill’s free-kick from 25 yards and was tipped over by Flinders, before Stockton pulled a shot wide.

In the second-half, Rovers best chance came when Baggie’s cut-back from the right was met by Marc Laird, but he screwed his diving header wayward from ten yards.

Pools’ only chance came when Jack Compton crossed for Franks, but his backheel flick was easy to deal with.