HARTLEPOOL UNITED went down to another defeat, falling 1-0 at Southend United.

While the home side hadn't impressed at Roots Hall in recent weeks and lost there to Chester in the FA Cup seven days previously, they had too much for Pools.

The only goal came on 64 minutes. Pools midfielder Nicky Featherstone was robbed of the ball in midfield, the Shrimpers broke away and midfielder David Worrall rifled a low shot in from the edge of the area.

In the first-half, Pools - while they were under pressure - had two good chances to score. 

First Featherstone broke from deep into the area, cut back onto his right foot and his low shot from an angle was saved by keeper Daniel Bentley.

A minute later, Jon Franks fired a rising shot over from 20 yards.

But, in the main, the home defenders kept a tight reign on striker Charlie Wyke and the Pools back four was busy dealing with a lively home side.

Scott Flinders saved well from Michael Timlin and  Neil Austin mopped up the loose ball. Worrall soon fired over. 

After Worrall's goal,  Pools had three good chances to nab a swift leveller. First Wyke fired wide, then Brad Walker's shot went wide before Franks wasted a good chance when he snatched at a volley.

Some strong defending at the other end kept Pools in the game, but they never looked like levelling as the game went on.

SOUTHEND UNITED: Bentley; White, Thompson, Prosser, Bolger, White; Worrall, Timlin, Leonard, Hurst;   Payne, Corr. Subs: Smith (gk), Atkinson, Clifford, Coulthirst, Layne, Deegan, Matsuzak.

HARTLEPOOL UNITED: Flinders; Duckworth, Collins, Harrison, Austin; Featherstone; Franks, Walker, Crooks (Fenwick 56), Schmeltz (Richards 56); Wyke (Harewood 79). Subs: Holden, Bates, Harewood, Hawkins, Jones.