HARTLEPOOL UNITED’S survival hopes took a knock as they lost at York City.

Backed by 2,000 supporters and up against ten men for the entire second period, Pools were unable to break down a strong and organised home defensive unit.

But, with both Tranmere and Cheltenham losing, Pools remain third bottom and out of the relegation zone.

Pools’ Scott Harrison had a volley pushed off the line on seven minutes, before Brad Walker’s shot was deflected wide.

The home back three were strong and kept Pools at arms’ length.

Scott Flinders made a save on 36 minutes, scooping up a low Jake Hyde shot.

But the home side were reduced to ten men on 45 minutes. Dave Winfield went in on Walker and referee Keith Stroud decreed the two-footed challenge was a red card.

York were incensed with the dismissal of a player who while recently on loan at Wimbledon was involved in an incident which saw Pools midfielder Michael Woods suffer a broken leg.

In the second-half Pools had plenty of the ball, but failed to get in behind a well-drilled home rearguard.

The Minstermen won it when Pools failed to clear convincingly and midfielder Luke Summerfield’s shot was deflected beyond Flinders.

From then on Pools pressed incessantly. Home keeper Michael Ingham saved well from Jon Franks and Pools looked certain scorers amid some frantic late scrambles.

Jordan Hugill shot wide and then pushed over from eight yards, before in injury time Flinders went up for a corner and, with a goal looking certain, somehow the ball stayed out of the net.

Pools are at home to Accrington on Tuesday. 

YORK CITY: Ingham; Halliday, McCombe, Winfield, Rowe, Zubar; Coulson (Ilesanmi 67), Summerfield, Penn; Hyde, Coulthirst (Platt 81). Subs: Mooney, McCoy, Montrose, Miller, O’Hanlon

HARTLEPOOL UNITED: Flinders; Harrison, Mirfin, Jones; Austin (Fenwick 80), Tshibola, Featherstone, Walker (Hawkins 70), Duckworth (J Jones 90); Hugill, Franks. Subs: Maxted (gk), Harewood, Nelson-Addy, Richards.

Referee: Keith Stroud (Gloucester)