Hartlepool 1 : 2 Luton - Luton edge past Hartlepool

Posted Sunday, October 19, 2014 by PA

Luton continued their recent sparkling form with a 2-1 Sky Bet League Two win at Hartlepool.

The Hatters, who began their first Football League campaign for six years with just one triumph in the opening six games, headed into the clash on the back of five wins and a draw.

And they added another maximum-points haul at Victoria Park, with Mark Cullen and Jim Stevenson ensuring Neil Austin's late penalty was a mere consolation.

The hosts enjoyed the livelier start as Charlie Wyke stung the hands of goalkeeper Mark Tyler from just outside the area.

But Luton grew into an open game and went ahead in the 39th minute, Cullen slotting his fifth goal of the season through the legs of Scott Flinders following a fine Pelly Ruddock through-ball.

The visitors almost added to their advantage just after half-time, Ricky Miller seeing a fizzing long-range strike go just wide.

However, they grabbed a second in the 80th minute when Stevenson tapped the rebound into an empty net after Flinders had pushed away Miller's free-kick.

Austin pulled one back from the spot in injury time after Scott Griffiths fouled Brad Walker, yet Pools could not find a leveller.