A late goal by James Brown, his 13th of the season, ensured Hartlepool United avoided an unwelcome statistic as they ended their season with a 2-2 draw at Walsall.

Trailing 2-1 with time ticking away, Pools were heading for their 23rd League One loss of the season - a total which would have made up half of their fixtures - before getting a leveller.

Brown turned in a shot from eight yards after being set up by Andy Monkhouse.

And it was well-deserved. Pools dominated the second period, pegging the home side back in their own area as the visitors enjoyed the vast majority of possession and chances.

But it looked so different in the early stages, as Pools found themselves two goals down after 15 minutes.

First Tommy Mooney teed up Michael Dobson to crack in from 20 yards, before Mooney, in his final Football League appearance, fired in low from the edge of the penalty box.

Both goals could have been defended better, but once again the lapses which have dogged Pools this season came to the fore.

Pools did get one back quickly, when Michael Mackay volleyed in a low cross from the left.

Walsall missed a couple of good first-half openings to level, but Pools took the game to them in the second period.