HARTLEPOOL United suffered a third successive loss, going down in a disappointing performance against Wycombe Wanderers.

Pools lost 3-1, the result coming on the back of a 3-0 thumping at Notts County.

Mick Wadsworth made four changes to his starting XI and altered the formation, but Pools were again second best and Wanderers deserved victory.

The visitors went ahead on 15 minutes. Scott Donnelly tapped into an empty net after Ben Strevens had a shot saved by Scott Flinders when Paul Murray lost possession.

Pools almost nabbed a leveller on 35 minutes, Andy Monkhouse's foray into the area saw him roll a low ball across the face of goal ahead of anyone in a blue and white shirt.

And, within seconds, the visitors had the ball in the net at the other end.

Gareth Ainsworth, who impressed on the right wing, found Stuart Beavon and he twisted and turned two defenders to roll a low shot past the wrong-footed Flinders.

At the start of the second-half, both James Poole and Neil Austin went close to reducing the gap. Poole's low shot fizzed wide and Austin got under a cross to head over the bar from six yards. Adam Boyd and Colin Nish were introduced to try and get a route back into it and Boyd's overhead kick was well saved by Nikki Bull after Monkhouse saw a shot blocked on the line.

But a third for the Chairboys came on 83 minutes, as Sam Collins turned the ball into his own net from close range after Ainsworth tore away on the right side.

Pools got one back on 88 minutes, Boyd slotting in from the spot after a penalty was awarded for handball.