Joel Porter scored a goal in each half to hand Hartlepool a valuable 2-0 win over Northampton.
Hartlepool rise to 12th; Cobblers extend winless streak to four
Joel Porter scored a goal in each half to hand Hartlepool a valuable 2-0 win over Northampton in Friday night's League One encounter.
Hartlepool's top scorer Porter, back in the team after injury, took his tally for the season to 15 with two fine finishes as Northampton struggled to even create chances.
The home side took an early lead, Porter slotting home a low shot from just inside the area after a neat exchange of passes with Michael Mackay left him unmarked five minutes into the match.
Mackay went close to scoring himself minutes later, his curling shot from the edge of the area tipped round the post by Chris Dunn.
The Cobblers' only first-half threat came after 35 minutes when Adebayo Akinfenwa sent a shot inches over the bar.
Porter struck again 11 minutes into the second half, finishing well after Andy Monkhouse ended a great run from his own half with a defence-splitting pass.
Northampton had plenty of possession then onwards, but they struggled to make an impact as they continue their winless streak to four.
The home win moves Hartlepool up three places to 12th and ends a barren run of three defeats in the league.
