Hartlepool United FC 0 - 2 Portsmouth: Portsmouth settle for play-offs despite win over Hartlepool

Posted Sunday, May 01, 2016 by PA

Portsmouth must make do with a place in the Sky Bet League Two play-offs, after their automatic promotion hopes were ended despite a 2-0 win at Hartlepool United.

Pompey, already assured of a play-off spot, were harbouring pre-match hopes of making the top three but wins for Accrington, Oxford, and Bristol Rovers keeps them out with one game to go.

The visitors to Victoria Park were in front thanks to a close-range finish from Kal Naismith on 58 minutes, the attacker neatly flicking the ball home from inside the six-yard box following a Gareth Evans cut back.

The hosts had four good chances to turn the game around, initially with Portsmouth goalkeeper Brian Murphy saving well from both Billy Paynter and Rhys Oates.

Luke James then could not get the ball out of his feet inside the six-yard box before Oates powered a close-range header over the bar.

And they were made to pay as substitute Conor Chaplin rolled home a low finish from 18 yards across Hartlepool goalkeeper Trevor Carson and into the far corner on 86 minutes to secure the win for Portsmouth.