HARTLEPOOL United have all but secured League One football next season, after victory number 25 of the season.

A win over Accringotn Stanley, coupled with MK Dons defeat to Shrewsbury, puts Pools 12 points clear of the fourth placed side with just 12 to play for.

And, with a goal difference of 15 better than the MK Dons, means Pools are out of League Two after just a season.

Pools lost at Barnet on Saturday, their first defeat in 24, but showed it wasn't going to affect them as they took the game to Stanley from the off.

James Brown carved out chances, but Pools missed a great chance to go in front, Richie Barker missing a penalty after Andy Monkhouse was felled.

But, given a second chance from the spot in the second half, Barker made no mistake, smashing his kick powerfully into the net.

Stanley had substitute Andrew Mangan sent-off after kicking out at Micky Nelson.

Pools couldn't find a second goal, but it proved academic thanks to Shrewsbury's victory.

HARTLEPOOL UNITED: Konstantopoulos; D Williams, Nelson, Clark, Humphreys; Brown, Boland, Liddle, Monkhouse; Barker, E Williams. Subs: Porter, Bullock, Provett, Gibb, Foley.

ACCRINGTON STANLEY: Martin; Cavanagh, Edwards, R Williams, Antwi, Proctor, Harris, Todd, Doherty, Mullin, Boco. Subs: Dunbavin, Welc, Mangan, Ventre, Richardson.

Referee: Scott Mathieson (Stockport)